Chapter 56

Chapter 56

◎When a commoner's fury ignites, at least three zhang of blood shall spill.◎

Having said this, Xie Heng fell silent, and Luo Wanqing dared not speak either.

Silence descended upon the carriage, only the sound of wheels rolling outside could be heard.

By the time the trio returned to the palace city, Qingya had already led Zhang Jiuran and the others inside.

Qingya took all other physical evidence to the throne room, leaving only Zhang Jiuran and Zhuque waiting outside the great hall.

Blind, Zhang Jiuran was given a chair by Zhuque, on which she sat, enjoying the cool breeze while listening to the voices from within.

First, Qingya recounted the case details, followed by Qin Jue's voice echoing through the hall.

"This humble subject, Qin Jue, son of Qin Wenyan, declares that my father, loyal to the emperor and country, never harbored any thoughts of overstepping his bounds. Yet, in June two years ago, he was wrongfully framed, and the entire Qin clan suffered unjustly. I have lived these past years in disgrace, seeking only to clear my father's name. This is my father's blood-written testament, submitted today to His Majesty, hoping for your wise judgment!"

"Qin Jue is here as well?"

Hearing Qin Jue's voice, Zhang Jiuran's lips curved, as if reminiscing.

Zhuque glanced at her, frowning. "How can you still smile? He was there the whole time," she glanced towards the great hall, "we were all afraid he might, in his rage, stab you, but you act as if nothing happened."

"He won't."

Zhang Jiuran shook her head, her tone gentle. "He has always been soft-hearted."

"You..."

"What is he wearing today?"

Zhang Jiuran asked, and Zhuque hesitated before replying uncertainly, "White?"

"Yes, today he wouldn't wear any other color."

Nodding, Zhang Jiuran turned her ear toward the great hall, feeling the breeze as she listened intently to Qin Jue's confrontation with those inside.

"You claim your family was framed? By whom?"

"I once saved a woman, later discovering she was an assassin from the Fengyu Pavilion..."

"What grudge does the Fengyu Pavilion hold against your Qin clan?"

"That's something you should ask them!"

"Your words alone are insufficient proof..."

"Then bring her in!"

With these words, silence fell over the great hall.

Zhang Jiuran knew it was her turn to speak, so she stood up, feeling her way.

After a moment, an eunuch announced her presence outside the hall. Supported by a maid and escorted by Zhuque, she slowly made her way into the great hall.

She felt as if she passed many people until, finally, she caught a familiar scent.

She remembered this scent, from countless embraces and sleepless nights entangled together, forever etched in her heart.

Pausing, the maid released her, and Zhang Jiuran knelt down, respectfully saying, "This humble woman, Zhang Jiuran, greets Your Majesty."

"Zhang Jiuran." Li Zong's contemplative voice came from above. "Nine, the number of extremes. It's rare for a lady to bear such a name."

"Not only rare, but also familiar," Prince Li Shangwen's voice echoed, turning to look at Zhang Jiuran. "The third-place scholar from two years ago seemed to be named Zhang Yiran? Only one character different from this name. Hmm," Li Shangwen scanned the surroundings, seemingly puzzled, "where is Minister Zhang? Why isn't he here today?"

At these words, Zhang Jiuran paused in her actions.

Others might not notice anything unusual, but Zhang Jiuran knew—

This was a warning.

They were using Zhang Yiran to warn her.

No one spoke, and Li Shangwen looked at the Ministry of Works. "Minister Zhang didn't come?"

"It's a trivial matter, set aside for now."

Listening to Li Shangwen's tangential remarks, Li Zong waved his hand, signaling him to step aside.

Li Shangwen bowed and moved away, watching as Li Zong lowered his gaze to Zhang Jiuran on the ground, coldly asking, "Zhang Jiuran, Qin Jue accuses you of framing his family for treason. Is this true?"

"Yes."

Zhang Jiuran answered without hesitation.

Li Zong furrowed his brow. "How did you manage it alone?"

"I wasn't alone," Zhang Jiuran calmly replied. "I come from the first-ranked assassin organization in the jianghu, the Fengyu Pavilion. Acting on orders, I framed the Qin family. The Pavilion Master, Xiangsizi, prepared military armor and documents of treason. My responsibility was to obtain the key to the Qin family's warehouse and their private seal. After acquiring them, on the night before the denunciation, I worked with others from the Pavilion to plant the armor and documents inside the Qin family's warehouse. Then, I reported to the Jinling Prefect, Sun Yingsheng, who conducted a search the next day, finding both the perpetrators and the evidence."

Her words caused an uproar among the crowd.

Li Zong pondered, then asked, "Why would your jianghu organization do such a thing?"

Zhang Jiuran fell silent, and an official nearby coughed lightly, seemingly reminding her.

Seeing these repeated warnings, Qin Jue spoke up sternly, "Zhang Jiuran, don't compound your mistakes."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiuran paused in her actions.

She seemed to want to look in the direction of the voice, but the person didn't speak again.

After a moment, she finally made up her mind, turned around, and bowed again, raising her voice: "Fengyu Pavilion is not a Jianghu organization; it belongs to the Wang Clan of Taiyuan!"

"Nonsense!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shangwen instantly barked fiercely, and the expressions on the faces of those present varied.

They had already heard rumors of this when they submitted their memorials, without needing Zhang Jiuran to say anything.

The Wang Clan of Taiyuan was the maternal clan of the Crown Prince and the Empress, a prominent family that was currently at the height of its power.

Fengyu Pavilion had no grudge or enmity with the Qin Clan, but that might not be the case for the Wang Clan.

Everyone began discussing amongst themselves. Zheng Pingsheng stepped forward, his expression solemn as he rebuked, "You woman, you speak recklessly! Do you have any evidence?!"

Although he was scolding her, he was subtly prompting her to provide evidence.

Li Shangwen shot a resentful glance at Zheng Pingsheng. Zheng Pingsheng glanced at the Crown Prince, his gaze carrying a hint of mockery.

Zhang Jiuran lowered her eyes and said, "I once saw a dagger used by the Wang Clan's assassins on the Pavilion Master."

"It's just a dagger." Li Guiyu sneered. "Does that count as evidence?"

"A dagger alone cannot determine guilt."

As soon as these words were spoken, Xie Heng's voice came from outside.

Everyone looked over and saw Xie Heng leading two people. Luo Wanqing and Zhang Yiran, both holding the ledger that the Supervision Division's Si Shi had just retrieved from the Dark Pavilion, followed behind Xie Heng. Xie Heng led them into the hall in large strides.

When Li Shangwen saw Xie Heng, he showed a hint of nervousness. Xie Heng paid his respects to the emperor and then said, "Your Majesty, I arrived late because I was clearing out the remaining members of Fengyu Pavilion last night. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me. These are the internal ledgers we seized from Fengyu Pavilion last night," Xie Heng said, casually pulling out one and throwing it in front of Li Shangwen. "Crown Prince, take a look. How many names do you recognize?"

Li Shangwen's expression changed slightly, but he still tried to hold his ground. "I don't understand what you're talking about."

"It's normal not to understand. It may not have been the Crown Prince, but it could have been someone else from the Wang Clan."

Xie Heng continued along Li Shangwen's line of thought and then said, "But there should be no dispute about the fact that the Qin Clan has been wronged, right?"

"I object!" Li Shangwen gritted his teeth and spoke. "Zhang Jiuran's testimony keeps changing, it's all over the place, and isn't credible. Such a woman who even fakes her identity deceives the emperor and deserves death according to the law. Her words shouldn't be considered as evidence!"

"Hmm?" Li Zong listened to Li Shangwen's words and tapped the table. "She faked her identity?"

"Yes!"

Li Shangwen looked at Zhang Jiuran and shouted, "Dare you say who you are? Dare you say where you come from, who your family is, who you really are?!"

Zhang Jiuran remained silent. Li Shangwen chuckled. "See, such a person who doesn't even dare to admit her own identity..."

"She's my sister."

A calm and composed voice came from behind Xie Heng, causing Zhang Jiuran's spine to stiffen abruptly as he dared not turn around.

It was only then that Li Shangwen noticed Zhang Yiran. He stared blankly at Zhang Yiran, who was holding official documents, listening to him say word by word, "This humble servant's original name is Zhang Jiuxian. I fled from Yangzhou to the East Capital due to hardship and was adopted by my adoptive father, Zhang Ming, changing my name to Zhang Yiran. This woman is my elder sister, Zhang Jiuran. We share the same mother but were separated years ago. It is only today that we have been reunited. Your Highness, do you find anything suspicious about my sister's identity?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiuran closed her eyes in anguish.

Li Shangwen forced a smile. "Minister Zhang, you mustn't speak irresponsibly. This is a murderer with blood on her hands, accused of framing others. Minister Zhang, being upright and incorruptible, how could you have such a sister?"

"She is my sister."

Zhang Yiran was obstinate, repeating only that sentence.

With his clear and righteous eyes fixed on Li Shangwen, he calmly said, "A gentleman stands in the world without doubt or hesitation. If my sister has sinned, I will bear the burden with her. But I wonder, how does Your Highness intend to bear the weight of your own sins?!"

Hearing this, Li Shangwen's expression stiffened slightly before he forced a laugh. "What did you say? I am guilty? What is my crime?"

"You allowed your subordinates to kidnap and traffic people. Is Your Highness innocent of this?"

Zhang Yiran spoke coldly, and Li Shangwen froze, completely unprepared for the fact that today's trial of the Qin family's case would lead to such trivial matters in his eyes.

But now, these trivial matters were like a spark rolling into a pile of dry grass. Li Shangwen immediately began cursing. "What nonsense are you spouting again!"

"Your Majesty," Zhang Yiran ignored Li Shangwen, turning to bow to Li Zong, prostrating himself on the ground respectfully. "A few days ago, while inspecting the river, I returned to the outskirts of the city and happened upon a woman crying for help. I then discovered a group of kidnappers. These people in the East Capital City had deceived and forcibly abducted thirteen good citizens, intending to sell them to neighboring small countries. When I rescued the victims, those people confidently claimed that arresting them would offend the Crown Prince. I didn't believe them and immediately reported the case to the East Capital authorities, but unexpectedly, the Governor of the East Capital dared not accept the case. Left with no choice, I turned to the Supervision Division for help."

"You're slandering me!" Li Shangwen, never expecting such an incident, raged. "I am the Crown Prince. Would I engage in such despicable acts?!"

"It's indeed not something the Crown Prince did," Qingya suddenly interjected. Everyone looked over, and Qingya bowed to the emperor respectfully. "This case is one of the cases that the Supervision Division is about to close recently. Minister Zhang misunderstood. The person protecting these human traffickers is not His Highness the Crown Prince himself, but a guest of the Crown Prince's Palace named Zhu Qinglai. His Highness may also be unaware of this."

The Crown Prince might not know, but a mere guest of the Crown Prince could protect a human trafficking organization, contact the Governor of the East Capital, and even threaten a Sixth Rank official of the court.

Qingya's words ostensibly defended Li Shangwen, but they caused Li Zong's face to darken instantly.

Everyone in the court knew Zhang Yiran's character, and although the Supervision Division was feared by all, it never handled cases without evidence. For it to reach the point where the Supervision Division was "about to close the case," there must have been solid proof.

No one dared to speak out of turn. Li Shangwen thought for a moment and immediately knelt down, kowtowing urgently. "Father, I failed to discipline my subordinates properly. I acknowledge my guilt!"

"Is it just a failure to discipline your subordinates?"

Xie Heng glanced at him and said indifferently, "A few months ago, the Supervision Division received another case involving Yan Sanhong, a courtesan from Eighteen Alley. Does Your Highness remember her?"

Li Shangwen's face turned ashen as Xie Heng continued calmly, "She was strangled and thrown into the river, but she was clutching a ring in her hand." As he spoke, Xie Heng raised his eyes. "It belonged to Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

"Xie Heng!"

Hearing this, Li Shangwen roared and lifted his head. "When did the Supervision Division start meddling in the affairs of prostitutes? What are your intentions today?!"

"Is the life of a prostitute not a life?!" Xie Heng's expression turned icy cold as he raised his voice in anger. "Is this how Your Highness views the lives of your subjects?"

"It was just a prostitute!" Li Shangwen pounded the ground. "Life has its high and low stations, Xie Heng. Don't push things too far."

"Was it you who killed her?"

Xie Heng asked bluntly, to which Li Shangwen immediately refuted, agitated: "No!"

"Very well," Xie Heng nodded. "The Supervision Division has lifted fingerprints from Yan Sanhong's neck. Would His Highness be willing to come to the Supervision Division for verification?"

"Director Xie," Wang Shenfeng, the Chancellor who had been silent all this while, finally spoke up, reminding him, "This is the Crown Prince. Director Xie, as a humble servant, I hope you can distinguish between the ranks of royalty and ministers."

"The sovereign reigns above," Xie Heng turned his gaze upon hearing this, looking icily at Wang Shenfeng. "The sovereign has specially bestowed upon the Supervision Division the authority over criminal justice and the power of oversight. My sovereign is the Son of Heaven, Minister Wang. Is your sovereign the Crown Prince?"

"Enough."

Upon hearing this, Li Zong raised his hand to interrupt their argument. He said, "We've heard enough about the Qin family's case today. The Qin family has suffered an injustice, and this matter should be summarized by the Supervision Division for reporting. The Fengyu Pavilion framed the Qin family, and they deserve punishment. As for the mastermind behind the Fengyu Pavilion..."

Li Zong lowered his eyes, deliberating. "The Supervision Division shall continue its investigation. Regardless of whether they are nobles or members of the royal family, the Supervision Division may imprison them. It is imperative that this case be thoroughly investigated to uphold the integrity of our nation."

Hearing these words, the Wang clan members present turned pale.

Imprisonment for anyone...

Now, the Wang clan was the first in line. If any one of them were taken into the Supervision Division and subjected to harsh interrogation, it would be something the Wang clan would never wish to see.

Moreover, if the Wang clan's secrets were truly exposed, they would only have two options: rebellion or handing over the culprit.

Rebellion now would be more harmful than beneficial. The Wang clan would find themselves isolated, and even if they fought to the death with the Li clan, it would only benefit others.

But whom to hand over?

Everyone pondered this question in their hearts.

When Li Shangwen sensed the silence behind him, he realized something was amiss. Although he was lustful and weak, he had been on the position of the Crown Prince for many years. Instinctively turning around, he saw his uncle Wang Shenfeng's eyes filled with a hint of reluctance.

Li Shangwen's heart trembled, and then he heard a young man step out from the ranks of the Censorate, bowing respectfully as he said, "Your Majesty, I have a petition to present."

With these words, everyone looked over together.

This was Lin Min, the Imperial Censor. His wife was Wang Shenfeng's third daughter, making him one of the Wang family's closest sons-in-law.

Stepping forward at this moment, the expressions of the crowd varied. Li Zong, thinking for a moment, raised his hand. "Speak."

Lin Min bowed, calmly saying, "Previously, when I played chess with the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace, I discovered secret correspondence between the Crown Prince and the Fengyu Pavilion. Due to the Crown Prince's exalted status, I did not dare to rashly draw conclusions. Hearing the public trial today, I fear that this letter might be related to the case, so I dare not conceal it. I hope Your Majesty will immediately seal off the Eastern Palace for a search to confirm that the letter has not been destroyed."

Hearing this, Li Shangwen angrily turned around. "Lin Min!"

Lin Min remained prostrated without moving. Li Zong said coldly, "Grand Supervisor Yang, take the Central Palace Office and the Supervision Division to the Eastern Palace."

Standing high above, Yang Chun bowed and walked down from the upper part of the hall. Xie Heng glanced at Xuanshan, who then turned to follow.

Together, the Central Palace Office and the Supervision Division searched the Eastern Palace. In less than a quarter of an hour, they had turned the palace upside down. Then, Yang Chun led his men back with documents in hand, placing them before Li Zong's desk as he respectfully said, "Your Majesty, we found them."

Listening to these words, Li Shangwen stared blankly at the letter, disbelieving.

He knew about the Qin family case, but Fengyu Pavilion was never his point of contact; there couldn't possibly be any concrete evidence like letters exchanged.

Entrapment, this must be entrapment!

No...

Li Shangwen paused, suddenly realizing that he had written it.

On a day when his mother had a headache, he had helped transcribe a letter...

Realizing this, Li Shangwen raised his head in a daze, meeting Li Zong's icy gaze as he looked up from his paperwork.

"Li Shangwen," Li Zong called him by his full name, slamming the letter onto his head and roaring, "What do you have to say?!"

Li Shangwen hurried forward, seeing the letter he had penned himself.

Luo Wanqing glanced at it; what was written was precisely about sending Zhang Jiuran to go undercover for Xiangsi Sect to find Qin Jue.

Seeing this letter, he began shaking his head frantically: "No, this wasn't me, it was Empress Dowager..."

"Crown Prince!" Wang Shenfeng looked at him coldly, "Stop your nonsense. If you really did it, confess!"

Li Shangwen froze, Wang Shenfeng reminding him, "The Crown Prince is young, if you make a mistake, you should accept punishment. His Majesty is your father, he won't make things difficult for you, just tell the truth!"

Li Shangwen froze in his movements, sensing the implications in Wang Shenfeng's words.

He was the Crown Prince, his father was the Son of Heaven, and his mother was still the Empress. As long as they were around and helped him, he had a chance to live.

Even if he wasn't the Crown Prince, he was still a prince, and he could live well.

Now that the Supervision Division had firmly implicated him, and everyone else had done the same, he couldn't drag the Wang clan down with him just for his sake.

It was now a foregone conclusion that he would be sacrificed to save the general.

If he cooperated with the Wang clan, he could still live. If he didn't cooperate, the Wang clan wouldn't protect him, and even if he dragged his empress dowager into it, he would still die.

Realizing this, Li Shangwen lowered his head trembling.

He looked at the letter in his hand, his face pale. After a long while, he knelt and kowtowed, speaking hoarsely, "Your subject admits guilt."

"Was it truly you who did it?"

Li Zong furrowed his brow.

"Yes."

"Did you act alone?!" Li Zong was incredulous.

Li Shangwen trembled but gritted his teeth. "Yes."

"Why?" Li Zong couldn't understand. "As the crown prince of your nation, why did you go to such lengths to frame the Qins?"

"The subject... the subject was misled by others." The crown prince closed his eyes and began to implicate others with half-truths. "The concubine Jiang in my palace is from a prestigious family in the south. Our two families have often been at odds in the south. Three years ago, Qin Wenyan killed Jiang's father, leaving her heartbroken. I was swayed by Jiang's grief and, in a fit of anger, assumed that the Qins had framed Jiang's father. I wanted to give them a taste of their own medicine, so..."

As he spoke, the crown prince began to kowtow on the ground. "The subject knows his mistake. I beg Your Majesty for mercy!"

"Jiang is a seductive woman who has led you astray!" Wang Shenfeng exclaimed upon hearing this. "Your Highness, you've been foolish."

"It is the subject's fault," Li Shangwen's head collided with the ground repeatedly. "I beg Your Majesty for mercy!"

Wang Shenfeng knelt down first, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty, the crown prince is young and naive, easily swayed by others. Although he has committed a grave error, he is still of royal blood, with a pure nature. He has done much good in the past, such as providing relief during disasters. Now that his merits and demerits balance out, we hope Your Majesty will show mercy."

Upon hearing this, many people in the court knelt down and began to plead for the emperor's mercy.

Li Zong suppressed his temper and remained silent. Amidst the tide of pleas for mercy, Qin Jue slowly stood up.

Noticing his movement, the crowd fell silent, all turning to look at Qin Jue.

Qin Jue raised his head and looked at Li Zong on the dais, calmly asking, "Your Majesty, do you know how many members the Qin family originally had?"

Li Zong paused, and Qin Jue's eyes reddened. "I had an older sister and a younger sister. Including our extended family, there were over 140 of us. Over 140 people, now reduced to less than 70, all imprisoned in the southern jails. And my family..." Qin Jue raised his hand and placed it on his chest. "...now only has me left. Seventy-three lives..."

Qin Jue smiled. "Just because the crown prince was momentarily enraged? How long was this 'moment' that allowed him to plot so meticulously? If Jiang misled you, why didn't the crown prince personally inquire about why her father was killed by my father?"

"That Jiang," Qin Jue pointed tremblingly towards the south. "Because he dispatched private soldiers to massacre over a hundred people overnight in order to annex land, causing public outrage and a major case that shocked the heavens. As the crown prince, you were unaware of this?! Clearly, it was because Jiang's family paid tribute to the Eastern Palace every year, and my Qin family was blocking your path to wealth! You now use a woman as your shield. Is this what the crown prince of Great Xia is made of?!"

"Qin Jue!" Li Shangwen roared and lifted his head. "What do you want then?"

"I want you dead!" Qin Jue shouted. "I want those involved in this matter to pay with their blood and their lives!"

"Pay with your life?" Li Shangwen laughed upon hearing this and stood up. He pointed at Zhang Jiuran beside him. "She deceived you and toyed with you, yet you don't demand her life. You want me to pay with my life?"

Qin Jue froze, and just as Li Shangwen was about to speak, Zhang Jiuran interrupted, "Of course, it must be repaid."

Li Shangwen was taken aback as he watched Zhang Jiuran rise. She turned towards Qin Jue and knelt down before him, bowing deeply in respect.

"Jiuran deceived Young Master back then, leading to the destruction of your entire family. It is Jiuran's fault, and I bear a heavy sin."

Qin Jue looked at the person kneeling before him, his hands trembling slightly as he said hoarsely, "You... were also misled..."

"It's the same," Zhang Jiuran shook her head. "Whether I was deceived or not, the fact remains that people died. Jiuran has lived until now solely for Young Master. Now that I have revealed everything I know and done everything I can, I dare not ask for Young Master's forgiveness. I only hope that in the future, Young Master Qin can forget the past, untie the knots in his heart, marry, have children, and live out his days. Zhang Jiuran—"

Kneeling before him, she raised her head, the blindfold sliding down her cheek. Bathed in the morning light, she resembled a white crane spreading its wings, enveloped in a faint glow.

Everyone was captivated by her actions, except for Luo Wanqing, who sensed something amiss. Her heart raced as she rushed forward, but in that instant, Zhang Jiuran swiftly slashed her palm across her own neck!

"As you wish, blood for blood, life for life."

"No!"

Qin Jue and Zhang Jiuran's voices rang out simultaneously as Luo Wanqing lunged in front of Zhang Jiuran. However, Zhang Jiuran moved faster, the blade between her fingers slicing sharply across her neck, blood spurting out.

Her blood splattered onto Luo Wanqing's face, onto Qin Jue's white robe, covering the entire hall with crimson.

Luo Wanqing's hand crossed paths with her blade, just barely missing.

Through the red haze of blood, she stared blankly at Zhang Jiuran collapsing to the ground.

Zhang Yiran and Xie Heng rushed over at the same time, Zhang Yiran frantically calling out, "Sister! Sister!"

Xie Heng grabbed Zhang Jiuran's arm, channeling his inner energy into her body, protecting her heart meridian, instructing Zhuque to summon the imperial physician.

Only Qin Jue stood there, staring at the woman before him, walking step by step to her side.

She listened to the sounds around her, trembling as she raised her hand, trying to remove the blindfold covering her eyes.

The doctor said her eyes were almost healed, but they couldn't be exposed to strong light, so for these days, a black cloth had been used to shield her from the brightness.

But she had no future.

She wanted to see him one last time.

To see him, to see Zhang Yiran, to see Luo Wanqing...

She felt life slipping away, mustering all her strength to touch that black cloth, the shadow that had veiled her eyes, the darkness that had shrouded her life.

But she couldn't move.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reach the blindfold; even lifting her hand was a luxury she couldn't afford.

In the darkness, she felt her life ebbing away, until moments later, the blindfold was suddenly yanked off.

Light pierced her eyes instantly, causing tears to stream down her face.

With all her might, she embraced the glorious radiance descending upon her, seeing the sobbing Zhang Yiran, seeing the blood-stained Luo Wanqing, and finally, she saw Qin Jue kneeling beside her.

He was still as he was when she first met him, gentle and kind, even showing compassion towards her, his enemy.

Looking at him, she couldn't help but smile.

"You could have lived."

Qin Jue clenched his fist, his voice hoarse as he spoke, "You were only an accomplice, willing to testify. Lord Xie said you could be exiled; your crime didn't warrant this fate."

"I know."

Zhang Jiuran's voice was low, her hand softly resting on his.

"I know you have a soft heart," she looked at him tenderly, as if understanding everything, "but from now on, neither of us will have to suffer nightmares anymore."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jue shuddered violently.

He raised his head in disbelief to look at her.

She knew.

It was he who had been taking care of her, and he hadn't wished for her death.

But she also knew that every night, he was plagued by nightmares.

In his dreams, he saw the dead, repeatedly questioning himself about right and wrong. Night after night, he woke up with the urge to kill her, only to hastily leave upon seeing her lying in bed with severed tendons.

It turned out she was aware of it all along.

She pretended not to know, calmly accepting his care, jesting with Luo Wanqing, appearing as if nothing had happened, waiting patiently for the public trial. It was all for this moment.

She never thought of surviving.

Knowing his soft heart, she took it upon herself to kill those he couldn't, including herself.

She never changed her mind about dying, not in prison, not in Huguo Temple, not after being saved and regaining consciousness by Qin Jue, not even now.

All along, she just hoped her death would be more meaningful, able to repay more.

The fact that she had harmed Qin Jue's family was irrefutable. To Zhang Jiuran, she could never forgive herself, leaving her no path to life.

Before, she merely wanted to avenge her father before dying. Later, she wanted to help Luo Wanqing before dying. Now, she wanted to help Qin Jue seek revenge before dying.

As Qin Jue listened to her words, tears fell like rain.

He told himself not to cry; he couldn't shed tears for this enemy.

But he couldn't help it.

Seeing his tears fall, Zhang Jiuran turned to look at Zhang Yiran's heart-wrenching sobs and spoke hoarsely, "I'm sorry... Yiran... don't tell Mother..."

"But she knows!" Zhang Yiran cried, unable to see clearly, "Mother always knew you were there. She sent you so many things each time, still waiting for your return every day. She knew!"

Zhang Jiuran was taken aback. Listening to these words, she struggled to raise her eyes toward the palace gates.

She couldn't see anymore.

She couldn't see her mother, nor could she return.

The imperial physician hurried over, and she gazed beyond the palace walls at the clouds rolling by.

She didn't know why, but suddenly she had a thought.

In truth, it seemed like she should have died alone in the Northwest.

Quietly and in solitude, under a poplar tree, with no one knowing or remembering her.

Yet at this moment, she could actually return, see her family, bid farewell to Qin Jue, hear Zhang Yiran call her sister, and do something for Qin Jue and for the wrongs she had committed.

She had eaten the small wontons she craved, drank the wine she desired, and learned that there were loved ones waiting for her.

Zhang Jiuran suddenly realized something. She turned her head and looked up at Luo Wanqing, who stood silently behind them.

She smiled brilliantly as sunlight flooded the hall. She opened her mouth, said two words, then slowly closed her eyes.

Luo Wanqing saw those two words, and her tears broke their dam.

Her hand trembled slightly as she struggled with all her might not to lose composure.

It was at this moment that Li Shangwen, beside her, spoke anxiously, "How did she bring that knife in here?! She used to be an assassin, how could they let her carry a knife inside? What if she attempts an assassination?"

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing shuddered. A chill rose from the soles of her feet. In disbelief, she lifted her head to look at Li Shangwen, who seemed to have survived a catastrophe.

How did she bring her knife in here?

She was dead, Zhang Jiuran had died right here, her blood still stained the floor of the hall, yet all Li Shangwen could think about was how she managed to bring a knife inside?!

Anger surged within her, and suddenly she felt that Zhang Jiuran was wrong.

She shouldn't have taken her own life; she should have killed the scoundrel standing before her!

She should have killed him.

But she knew it was impossible.

If Zhang Jiuran had attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince, Zhang Yiran, Aunt Zhao, and her family would not have been spared.

The only person she could kill was herself.

Luo Wanqing stared intently at Li Shangwen, who became flustered and couldn't help but say, "What are you looking at? This is the palace hall!"

"Minister Xie?"

Li Zong spoke from above, but it wasn't the rebuke Luo Wanqing had expected. He calmly asked, "Where did the knife come from?"

Xie Heng paused.

Luo Wanqing looked at him and saw his hand on Zhang Jiuran's pulse, which had already stopped.

He lowered his gaze, looking at Zhang Jiuran's wounded arm. After a moment, he stood up and calmly said, "There was a wound on her arm. She hid the blade within the wound and brought it into the hall."

"So be it." Li Zong nodded, furrowing his brows as he said, "We'll need to check their wounds later. Fortunately, she only took her own life today. If she had attempted assassination, that would have been troublesome."

Fortunately, she only took her own life.

Luo Wanqing lowered her head, feeling a mix of emotions that verged on laughter.

She watched as the imperial physicians approached, guards supporting the sobbing Zhang Yiran, and the crowd hastily carrying away Zhang Jiuran.

A profound sorrow welled up within her, with no outlet for expression.

The lives of Zhang Jiuran and Qin Jue meant nothing more than mere names here.

They didn't care.

For those without power or influence, the dead were of no concern.

Zhang Jiuran's blood still stained the hall, yet their discussion centered merely on where she had obtained her blade.

And—

Fortunately, she only took her own life.

Luo Wanqing clenched her fists tightly, suppressing all her emotions as she stood in the hall, hearing Li Zong, seated high above, say, "Enough, I understand now. Crown Prince, your actions have gone too far."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty."

Li Shangwen knelt on the ground, frantically kowtowing, his voice hoarse as he said, "Your son knows his wrongs. I was misled by the Jiang family, please show mercy to your son!"

"As the Crown Prince, you should set an example for the world, but you failed to lead by example, indulging in women, falsely accusing loyal officials, and causing the wrongful death of the entire Qin clan. By law, you deserve execution!"

Li Zong's voice grew stern, causing Li Shangwen to panic and shed tears, urgently calling out, "Father!"

Li Zong looked at the weeping Li Shangwen, his movements pausing slightly.

This child had grown up before his eyes since he was young.

He stared at Li Shangwen, pondering for a moment, then glanced at Wang Shenfeng.

Handing over Li Shangwen voluntarily was already the limit for the Wang family. The Wangs had taken a step back, and he shouldn't push too hard.

After all, this was his son.

Li Zong pursed his lips, after a long while finally saying, "But considering your young age, gentle nature, and the good deeds you've done during your time as heir apparent, the merits and demerits balance out. Therefore, your position as Crown Prince is revoked, and you will go to the Imperial Tomb to honor our ancestors."

Guarding the Imperial Tomb was a form of house arrest in disguise.

But for Li Shangwen, this was an excellent outcome.

Relieved, he hurriedly said, "Thank you, Father."

Beside him, Qin Jue listened numbly and raised his eyes. He subconsciously tried to rise but was held down by Xie Heng.

"Qin Jue," Xie Heng spoke coldly, "thank His Majesty for his grace."

At these words, Qin Jue trembled all over. Luo Wanqing turned her gaze to see Qin Jue bending his spine inch by inch, laughing through tears as he cried out, "Thank His Majesty for his grace!"

This voice pierced Luo Wanqing's heart like a knife. She looked at the blood-soaked floor of the hall and slowly closed her eyes.

"As for others involved in the case," Li Zong lifted his eyes to Xie Heng, "Minister Xie, entrust this case to the Supervision Division for a thorough investigation."

Xie Heng, upon hearing this, bowed his head and replied, "Yes."

"And Zhang Yiran..." Li Zong pondered, "Though Zhang Jiuran was a criminal with improper conduct, she was deceived. Now that she has paid with her life, it can be considered settled. Zhang Yiran could have disowned Zhang Jiuran and chosen to protect himself, yet he sought the path of a gentleman, embodying loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness. I believe Zhang Jiuran's matter should not implicate him; let him remain in his position."

With that, Li Zong looked around at everyone: "My ministers, do any of you have other thoughts?"

No one present responded.

The Crown Prince was already gone, and the remaining Li Shangwen was of no concern to anyone, alive or dead. The purpose of those present had been achieved, and no one wanted to speak up at this moment.

Seeing that no one spoke, Li Zong nodded, waved his hand, and said, "Then let us adjourn. I am weary."

As he spoke, Yang Chun stepped forward to support Li Zong, and everyone escorted Li Zong away.

After Li Zong left, everyone dispersed. Luo Wanqing stood motionless before Zhang Jiuran's blood.

Xie Heng approached her and sighed, "Let's go."

"Yes."

Luo Wanqing bowed respectfully. Her expression showed no abnormality, except for her tightly clenched fists, which betrayed her emotions.

Xie Heng hesitated for a moment before turning to lead her out of the palace. Just as they exited the palace gates, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but ask, "Sir, will the Crown Prince, who isn't dead, not seek revenge?"

Hearing this, Xie Heng didn't turn back. Walking ahead, he said calmly, "Deposing the Crown Prince is enough."

To him, deposing the Crown Prince was no different from killing him.

With the Crown Prince's position vacant, the struggle for the heir apparent would begin anew. He had the opportunity to divide the Crown Prince's power, which was enough for Xie Heng.

He wasn't seeking justice for the Qins.

What he sought was only power.

Just as when he slaughtered the Cuis and established the Supervision Division, and cared for Luo Wanqing, everything in his hands was merely a pawn.

These nobles—the powerful rulers—were only concerned about how Zhang Jiuran managed to bring in the knife.

Luo Wanqing struggled to breathe, gripping her fists tightly, controlling her emotions.

Waiting until they had left the palace grounds, Luo Wanqing's face betrayed no trace of emotion.

Upon exiting the palace gates, Luo Wanqing spotted Zhang Yiran tussling with Xuan Shan over something.

As she and Xie Heng approached, they saw Zhang Yiran pressing down on Zhang Jiuran's stretcher, gritting his teeth as he said, "She's my sister. Today, I'm taking her home. Let go!"

"This is a critical criminal of the Supervision Division," Xuan Shan frowned, his voice laced with anger. "Even if you want to claim her, you must wait for the autopsy..."

"Envoy Xuan Shan." Luo Wanqing interrupted him.

Xuan Shan turned around, seeing Xie Heng, he immediately bowed in greeting. "Young Master."

"What is this about?"

Xie Heng glanced at the standoff, and Xuan Shan explained truthfully, "Minister Zhang wishes to take Zhang Jiuran's remains back, but according to protocol, Zhang Jiuran must first be taken to the Supervision Division. After the division confirms her death through autopsy and verifies the identity of the next of kin, it will notify the family to claim the body."

"How long will that take?" Zhang Yiran glared at Xuan Shan. "When? What else do you intend to do to her?"

"Minister Zhang."

Luo Wanqing, having understood the situation, looked up at Zhang Yiran and reminded him, "Jiuran wouldn't want Aunt Zhao to know."

This caused Zhang Yiran to freeze, and Luo Wanqing calmly continued, "Aunt Zhao can still wait."

It was better to hold onto hope day after day than to watch her daughter depart.

Zhang Yiran was speechless, and Luo Wanqing turned to Qin Jue, who had been standing silently by.

His expression was serene, as if he were accompanying Zhang Jiuran on her journey.

Noticing Luo Wanqing's gaze, Qin Jue lifted his head.

"If I recall correctly," Luo Wanqing asked him, "you two should have registered your marriage with the government; she is your wife."

Qin Jue was taken aback, then slowly began to smile.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke hoarsely, "Yes."

He raised his hand, crying and laughing shakily, "She is my wife, she has finally become my wife..."

"In that case, let's return. Wait for notification at the Supervision Division, and let Lord Qin handle the funeral arrangements. Minister Zhang, find an opportunity," Luo Wanqing turned to him, her voice strained. "Bring Aunt Zhao here to pay respects to this friend."

Zhang Yiran stared at Luo Wanqing.

He knew Luo Wanqing was right; there was no better solution.

His mother would not hear of the events that had transpired in the imperial court, nor would she know that Zhang Jiuran had once briefly and openly appeared.

She could continue living as before, each day hoping for her daughter's return.

His lips trembled slightly, and after a long while, he could only raise his hand to give Luo Wanqing a bow, his voice hoarse as he said, "I'll follow the arrangements of Envoy Liu."

Luo Wanqing nodded, after making sure everyone was informed, she retreated behind Xie Heng.

Xie Heng glanced at her, saying indifferently, "Come with me in the carriage."

Luo Wanqing remained calm, responding, "Yes."

She followed Xie Heng, one after the other, into the carriage.

Once inside, Xie Heng fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "The Crown Prince is merely a pawn, someone pushed forward by those behind him to take the fall. Whether it's Zhang Qiuzhi's death or the mastermind behind the Fengyu Pavilion, the Crown Prince is insignificant, you needn't concern yourself with his fate."

"I understand, sir."

Luo Wanqing answered appropriately, as if the matter of Zhang Jiuran had nothing to do with her.

Seeing that she was unyielding, Xie Heng thought for a moment and changed the subject, asking in an official tone, "Has the Dark Pavilion made any discoveries?"

At this, Luo Wanqing paused slightly, recalling the ledger, unsure whether she should hand it over.

Handing it over would confirm Jiang Fengwan's identity as a loyalist.

But at the same time, it would also prove her father's identity as a loyalist.

But so what?

The Luo family was already gone, and now living was Liu Xiniang, the Luo family under a new name. Even if they knew her father was a Wáng family loyalist planted within the Cui family, aside from proving that the Wáng family had ulterior motives regarding the Cui family's past, what else could it do?

If they could bring down the Wáng family, then Li Guiyu would truly lose his support.

After calculating in her mind, Luo Wanqing reached a decision, saying calmly, "We seized a ledger of Wáng family loyalists."

Hearing this, Xie Heng raised his eyes, "Where is it?"

Luo Wanqing realized Xie Heng was interested in it and reached into her robe to retrieve the ledger, "It's here..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Luo Wanqing froze.

Xie Heng sensed something was amiss and looked at the spot where her hand had disappeared into her clothing, frowning, "What's wrong?"

Luo Wanqing pulled out a handful of paper pages that had been shattered, her expression terrible.

Seeing this, Xie Heng understood what had happened, thinking for a moment, he said, "If Li Guiyu's sword strike today was aimed at you, you should be dead. Striking through a mountain to hit a bull, at his level, he can indeed achieve that."

When she escaped, his sword strike wasn't aimed at her, but at the ledger in her arms.

After all the hardships she went through to bring it out, the item was now gone, and Luo Wanqing couldn't help but feel some anger. She pursed her lips tightly without speaking, causing Xie Heng to want to laugh.

Looking at her expression, Xie Heng inexplicably felt like laughing, yet also felt it inappropriate.

He lowered his head to sip tea, concealing his emotions, and said indifferently, "Put it back. Don't lose the shards. Later, have Suzaku find a professional craftsman to glue it together; perhaps it can still be used."

"Yes."

Luo Wanqing lowered her head without further comment.

Xie Heng pondered for a moment and added, "You haven't slept all night?"

"Yes."

"Then sleep." Xie Heng gestured toward the small couch beside him, saying indifferently, "Suzaku usually sleeps there."

Luo Wanqing didn't move. Xie Heng lifted his gaze, his tone commanding: "Sleep."

Sensing Xie Heng's firmness, Luo Wanqing didn't resist. She rose and collapsed onto the small couch beside him, covering herself with the quilt, facing away from Xie Heng.

Seeing her lie down, Xie Heng's heart softened somewhat. After some thought, he consoled her in a low voice, "Regarding Zhang Jiuran, you've done well enough. Everyone has their own destiny; don't burden yourself with it."

Everyone has their own destiny...

Hearing these words, Luo Wanqing felt like laughing.

Destiny?

What was fate?

Her fate was to be exiled to Lingnan to await death in her previous life, until Zhang Jiuran risked everything to change that.

It was she who gave her all her inner strength, she who sent Luo Wanqing on this path to ascendancy, she who provided Luo Wanqing with everything as Xiniang at the beginning. And in the end, she had to say "thank you" to her?

Luo Wanqing closed her eyes, recalling how Zhang Jiuran turned around in the light during her final moments, uttering that "thank you."

Thank you?

What did Luo Wanqing have to thank Zhang Jiuran for?

She couldn't save her; she couldn't alter Zhang Jiuran's fate.

Everything she did seemed to only watch as Zhang Jiuran's fate led her to the same end.

In her previous life, Zhang Jiuran died in the Northwest.

This time, Zhang Jiuran perished in the temple hall.

But no matter where she died, she was ultimately dead.

All the efforts Luo Wanqing exerted with all her might were meaningless.

She desperately wanted to seek "blood for blood" for Qin Jue, but forget about the Empress or the Wang family behind them. Even for this sacrificial prince, the concept of "blood for blood" seemed like a joke.

Her blood splattered across the grand hall, yet not a single one of those in power noticed.

They only cared about how she managed to bring a knife inside.

Zhang Jiuran's life, the Luo family's fate, and their lives were nothing more than ants crushed underfoot to these people in power.

Even if they desperately stained their shoes with blood, they remained oblivious to the fact that they had trampled upon these insignificant lives.

She knew this.

In prison, when she encountered that official who said, "In today's Great Xia, the death of a commoner would not move a Grand Secretary or even a prince," she understood.

But when Zhang Jiuran revealed the stark disparity in value of life so sharply and directly, she couldn't help but tremble with anger.

She felt she needed to do something.

She had to do something to justify her climb, to honor everything Zhang Jiuran had given her.

If all she could do now was the same as before—just watch and wait—what was the point of her journey up until now?

Luo Wanqing silently caressed Qianji, feeling a fire burning within her heart. She had to do something to extinguish it.

What should she do?

The crimson hue spread across her chest, and memories of Xie Heng's crimes from her past life flashed through her mind.

"Assassinate the Crown Prince."

As this thought arose, she felt an instant gratification.

Yes, Li Shangwen deserved to die.

He killed Yan Sanhong, he harmed so many people, and Zhang Jiuran died pleading for his demise. Why should he be allowed to live?

Because he was noble? Because he had a queen for a mother? Because he came from a distinguished family?

But didn't he die in her previous life as well?

Since Zhang Jiuran was destined for her fate, why should Li Shangwen be spared?

With this realization, Luo Wanqing suddenly found peace within herself.

She wrapped herself in her blanket, closed her eyes, and made her decision.

She was going to kill him.

Since all of them—the emperor, the ministers, even Xie Heng—treated their lives as worthless.

Then there's no need for her to play by their rules.

When a commoner is enraged, at least three meters of blood will be spilled.

She's going to kill him.

Author's note:

"Side Scene"

Bai Li: "Idiot, you like her!! Do you want me to announce it with a megaphone?! If you don't like her, then do you only want to sleep with her once?! Use your brain, you eternal bachelor!!"

"Side Scene"

Luo Wanqing: "I am willing to follow the young master, through fire and water, to achieve great endeavors together!"

Xie Heng: "Holy sh*t, she confessed to me, she likes me!"