Chapter 64

Chapter 64

◎What if I did kiss you?◎

"How did you come here?"

Following Luo Wanqing out of the government office and onto the street, Zhang Yiran asked seriously, "Is there something you need?"

"How is Aunt Zhao?" Luo Wanqing didn't immediately bring up official business but instead inquired about Aunt Zhao's condition.

Zhang Yiran paused before his tone softened slightly. "She's doing well."

He smiled as he continued, "A few days ago, when I saw off my sister and Young Master Qin, Young Master Qin visited our home. He told my mother that he would be going to the Northwest with my sister and assured her not to worry."

This had been agreed upon beforehand, and Luo Wanqing nodded without further comment.

In recent days, Zhang Yiran had visibly lost weight, sporting some stubble on his face. Although his expression was clear, he seemed more mature than before.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment before raising her hand. "I haven't yet congratulated you on your promotion to the Censorate."

"But it's just a return to where I came from," Zhang Yiran shook his head. "There's nothing much to celebrate. However, should Si Shi require any assistance in the future," Zhang Yiran bowed, "please do not hesitate to ask."

These words left Luo Wanqing momentarily stunned, and she then asked in puzzlement, "You don't seem like the type, Sir Zhang."

If he had been this type of person back then, why would he have been demoted from the Censorate to the Ministry of Works?

"It depends on who it's for," Zhang Yiran raised his gaze and smiled lightly. "I trust that Si Shi wouldn't ask me to do anything against my conscience."

"You're not referring to that death row inmate, are you?" Luo Wanqing joked, leaving Zhang Yiran speechless.

After a moment, both of them chuckled softly.

"I'm serious," Zhang Yiran smiled, his expression unusually solemn. "Si Shi has done so much for my family, and I also believe that what you will do next is what I wish to do as well."

Hearing the implications in Zhang Yiran's words, Luo Wanqing remained silent.

Zhang Yiran continued, "Although I am insignificant and have little influence, please allow me to do something for you, Miss."

Luo Wanqing's movements paused slightly. She knew that he was sincere, and after a moment of hesitation, she said gently, "It was Sister Jiuran who helped me greatly. Everything I do for her is only right."

"But..."

"However, I do need your help today."

Without further pleasantries, Luo Wanqing led him towards the Treasure Pavilion and said calmly, "First, follow me to pick up a hairpin."

"A hairpin?"

Zhang Yiran was somewhat surprised, not expecting that Luo Wanqing had called him out for this matter.

Luo Wanqing nodded and walked ahead. "Tomorrow is my Shadow Envoy's birthday. I ordered a hairpin for him. You can accompany me to pick it up and also help keep things discreet."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yiran was somewhat taken aback.

Luo Wanqing turned to look at him. "Sir Zhang?"

"Oh," Zhang Yiran snapped back to reality, seemingly only now realizing what she had said, and asked, "Keep things discreet?"

"Yes, many people are following us, so just pretend we're shopping. After we part ways tonight, help me find someone."

As Zhang Yiran listened, he pushed aside a passerby on the roadside and whispered, "Who?"

"Do you remember the night I disguised myself as a victim of human trafficking and met you and Li Guiyu? That night, you rescued a group of victims of human trafficking."

"I remember." Zhang Yiran nodded and recalled, "That group of people was sent by me to the Supervision Division, which then handed them over to the East Capital Prefect and arranged for their return home."

"There was a woman among them named Mei Xiang," Luo Wanqing mentioned her name. "She lives in the seventh alley in the eastern part of the city. Find her and deliver her to the Supervision Division by tomorrow. This must be done discreetly."

"Understood."

Zhang Yiran readily agreed, not even asking what for.

Luo Wanqing felt quite grateful.

Together, they went to the Treasure Pavilion to collect the hairpin. Looking at the white jade hairpin, Zhang Yiran realized its considerable value and couldn't help saying, "Xiniang cares deeply for Envoy Cui."

"He has given me even more."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing knew she had made the right choice and was rather pleased. She closed the lid, settled the payment with the shopkeeper, and then descended the stairs with Zhang Yiran.

Seeing that it was getting late, Luo Wanqing bid farewell to Zhang Yiran and whispered, "Thank you for your help tonight."

"I will not fail you."

Zhang Yiran bowed and then turned to leave.

After taking just a few steps, Luo Wanqing remembered something she needed to give him and called out, "Zhang Yiran!"

Zhang Yiran turned around and saw Luo Wanqing toss a short flute over. He caught it and then heard Luo Wanqing say, "It's for you."

Stunned, Zhang Yiran looked at the short flute, recalling that Luo Wanqing had given him one before.

When he blew it, that "Envoy Cui" would appear.

Luo Wanqing noticed his thoughts and hurriedly explained, "This one is specifically for you."

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran smiled, holding the short flute and bowing to her through the crowd.

Luo Wanqing waved her hand and turned to leave, placing the jade hairpin box into her sleeve. She began to consider where she would go tonight.

These days, she had been clearing out the East Palace's illicit businesses, arresting only low-level individuals and no officials. From their words and phrases, she deduced the roles of all relevant parties involved in these illicit operations and how they established connections with The Eastern Palace's Six Armies.

None of Li Shangwen's remaining people who were tainted could be spared.

Especially The Eastern Palace's Six Armies.

Every day, she meticulously reviewed all the detainees' statements, comparing, connecting, and pondering them.

She roughly discerned that these illicit businesses had the protection of officialdom, but the East Palace wasn't to the point of having absolute control. The government merely refused to handle their cases or intervene but wouldn't participate in their conflicts either.

The forces in the East Capital were deeply intertwined. These illicit businesses had also clashed with other powers protected by the government in their early stages. Although the lower-level individuals didn't know, based on their descriptions, it seemed that troops from The Eastern Palace's Six Armies had helped them. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to summon such forces at will, allowing them to act without restraint in the East Capital and firmly establish themselves.

When they encountered trouble, their contact was Lin Shuzhi, the Chancellor of the Crown Prince's Mansion. She was a relative by marriage to Lu Lingchan, the Crown Prince's Chief Secretary. According to information from past informants within the East Palace, the hub between civil and military officials was Lu Lingchan. Therefore, when conflicts occurred, it was likely that Lin Shuzhi contacted the subordinates below and then notified Lu Lingchan, who would then mobilize The Eastern Palace's Six Armies for assistance.

Now, someone had already implicated Lin Shuzhi. She could apply for Lin Shuzhi's arrest warrant today. Lin Shuzhi, as a scion of a prominent family, wouldn't last half an hour under her interrogation. Once Lin Shuzhi spoke, she could immediately arrest Lu Lingchan.

However, on one hand, apprehending Lin Shuzhi would be challenging. On the other hand, once she arrested Lin Shuzhi, Lu Lingchan might immediately flee or even destroy all related evidence.

Therefore, she didn't rely on capturing Lin Shuzhi to ensnare Lu Lingchan and subsequently take down The Eastern Palace's Six Armies.

She found another path.

She had previously suspected that the incidents involving the three former Si Shi members were due to collusion inside and outside. Afterward, when she publicly declared that the Supervision Division wouldn't rigorously investigate this case, she faced little resistance, further solidifying her belief that there was an informant within the Supervision Division. Thus, she reviewed the materials regarding the incidents involving the three former Si Shi members and identified the list of Si Shi members who knew about their whereabouts on those days.

There were five people she suspected: the three Fang brothers, Xingling, and Zhao Sanhu.

Although she thought the likelihood of the three Fang brothers and Xingling being involved was slim, they were indeed among those who simultaneously knew the whereabouts of the three Si Shi members. Therefore, she didn't rule out their suspicion.

For these five, she separately told each of them different names of officials today and hinted that she would arrest these officials tonight.

Now, she only needed to visit these officials one by one. If any official had precautions in place, the informant would naturally be revealed.

Among these five, she had always most suspected Zhao Sanhu. Therefore, she informed Zhao Sanhu about the critical information regarding Lin Shuzhi.

If Zhao Sanhu was the informant, the news of her capturing Lin Shuzhi tonight would definitely have reached the other side. Those people would only focus on her capturing Lin Shuzhi, significantly increasing the safety of Zhang Yiran taking Mei Xiang away.

Her capture of Lin Shuzhi would certainly be obstructed. If she failed to capture Lin Shuzhi, those people would relax their guard. Once Zhang Yiran brought Mei Xiang back, she could use Mei Xiang's testimony to apply for Lu Lingchan's arrest warrant tomorrow. At that time, Lu Lingchan wouldn't have time to react, and she could directly catch him like a turtle in a jar.

In this way, she would not only uncover the informant lurking within the Supervision Division but also capture Lu Lingchan, achieving two goals with one action.

With Lu Lingchan in hand, the entire East Palace's hub would be captured. Whether it was The Eastern Palace's Six Armies or others, there would be witnesses and evidence. This case would truly begin its investigation.

Luo Wanqing organized her plan in her mind and then went to see the first corrupt official, Qin, the Chief Clerk of the Crown Prince's Mansion.

She told Fang Yuan that she would arrest this person. She silently infiltrated the Qin residence, and the Qin family was completely unprepared, indicating that Fang Yuan was not a problem.

She repeated the process, testing Fang Zhi, Fang Shun, and Xingling's corresponding officials. These officials showed no signs of receiving any information.

Luo Wanqing ruled them out. It was already late into the night, and now only one person remained—the one most closely linked to Lu Lingchan and holding the highest position: Lin Shuzhi, the Chancellor of the Crown Prince's Mansion.

This person corresponded to Zhao Sanhu. She informed Zhao Sanhu that she would arrest Lin Shuzhi tonight.

She had indeed kept a close watch on Lin Shuzhi for a long time. She knew that he would spend the night at the Reaching Star Tower tonight.

He had reserved a courtesan as his mistress there and visited every five days. Today happened to be the fifth day.

If Lin Shuzhi wasn't there today, Zhao Sanhu must be the spy.

Luo Wanqing calculated the time and headed towards the Reaching Star Tower.

At this time, in the backyard of the Supervision Division, Xie Heng was playing chess with Suzaku.

Suzaku, lacking skill in chess, struggled to hold on, scratching his head while holding a white piece, unable to make a move.

After a while, Suzaku said with a bitter face, "Young Master, why don't I just concede?"

"Unacceptable."

Xie Heng picked up his teacup and urged, "Continue."

Suzaku pinched a chess piece between his thumb and index finger, hesitating for a long time. A pigeon fluttered into the courtyard, cooing. Qingya, who was brewing tea, stood up and retrieved several messages from the pigeon.

He quickly scanned them and then looked back at Xie Heng. "Young Master, Aunt Bai Li sent a message from the foot of the mountain."

"Go ahead."

"The current Si Shi member Liu and Lord Zhang Yiran went shopping today, and Liu bought a hairpin for Lord Zhang."

Upon hearing this, Suzaku immediately looked at Xie Heng.

Xie Heng's grip on the teacup tightened slightly, his expression indifferent. He simply said, "Don't waste resources on such messages."

"Anything else?"

Qingya smiled, then became serious. "Later, Lord Zhang found a woman named Mei Xiang and is currently hiding among the crowd heading towards the Supervision Division. After Si Shi member Liu investigated four residences of officials related to the East Palace, she is now heading towards the Reaching Star Tower. Half an hour ago, His Highness the Third Prince dispatched personnel and entered the Reaching Star Tower."

Hearing this, Xie Heng suddenly raised his eyes.

After a moment, he stood up and walked into the room, changing his clothes while coldly ordering, "Notify Xuanshan to prepare men, Suzaku," he emerged wearing a mask and said coldly, "Come with me."

When Luo Wanqing arrived at the Reaching Star Tower, it was almost midnight. Although the Reaching Star Tower was still bustling with people, it was much quieter than an hour ago.

Luo Wanqing stood downstairs and watched the courtesan's room for a while. When the lights in the room went out, Luo Wanqing climbed up the building under cover of night.

The courtesan's room was at the top of the Reaching Star Tower. She climbed onto the roof, leaped into the corridor, and quietly approached the window.

She wore a mask she had prepared long ago and silently pried open the window with a dagger, intending to investigate.

If Lin Shuzhi was present, it would prove that Zhao Sanhu wasn't the informant.

The informant was unclear about their information; she could take the opportunity to bind Lin Shuzhi and apply for an arrest warrant. Although she would be scolded, it wasn't out of the question. If she could interrogate them tonight, she would go after Lu Lingchan immediately, and he might not be able to escape. If Lin Shuzhi wasn't there, Zhao Sanhu must be the informant without a doubt. Of course, there was also the worst-case scenario... Luo Wanqing carefully leaped into the window, holding a handful of poison powder in her hand. But as soon as she entered the room, she smelled blood. Without hesitation, she flipped and exited. At that moment, the lights suddenly illuminated, and a servant girl screamed, "Murder!" As the scream echoed, Luo Wanqing simultaneously leaped out of the room. Arrows shot from all directions, and Luo Wanqing drew her sword to cut through the rain of arrows before plunging toward Zhaixing Tower! Her movements were too swift for anyone to react, except for one person. Someone rushed out of the house and followed her leap by jumping down right after her. The night wind howled as the young man plummeted at great speed. He wore a magnificent azure brocade robe, his wide sleeves like wings, resembling a butterfly caught in a fierce gust. In the darkness, he exuded a cold beauty. Luo Wanqing looked in disbelief at the youth who had jumped down after her, finally realizing the situation. Tonight, Li Guiyu was personally waiting for her! Zhao Sanhu was indeed the informant. The Eastern Palace knew about her plan to capture Lin Shuzhi tonight and had prepared accordingly. It was fine if Lin Shuzhi wasn't there, and it was expected that someone would set up an ambush. However, they actually killed someone here to frame her! Thinking about this, Luo Wanqing felt a surge of anger. Yet, she knew she couldn't leave any traces behind. If Li Guiyu caught her, she wouldn't be able to explain herself, and it would be considered a clear case of murder at Zhaixing Tower. She understood the situation clearly and didn't hesitate upon landing. She turned and ran. Li Guiyu swiftly approached, grabbing her hair and slamming her against the wall with a clang. Coldly, he said, "Why did you come into this mess even though you're so smart?" As he finished speaking, Luo Wanqing bent backward and kicked, while her upper body moved downward, sharply bending Li Guiyu's wrist. Forced to release her, Li Guiyu then countered by reaching for her throat. Luo Wanqing raised her hand to block and rose, following Li Guiyu's momentum. After a brief struggle, Luo Wanqing saw an opportunity and suddenly threw the poison powder in her left hand, striking Li Guiyu's face with her right hand using Qianji! Li Guiyu swept his wide sleeve, deflecting both the poison powder and the Qianji. Luo Wanqing seized the chance to escape, but Li Guiyu quickly pursued her, chasing her across rooftops. Under the bright moonlight, two figures chased each other relentlessly on the rooftops. Luo Wanqing glanced back, knowing that according to Li Guiyu's skills, catching up to her was only a matter of time. She couldn't continue running in such an open area; she needed to blend into a crowd. Scanning her surroundings, Luo Wanqing noticed that the largest brothel in East Capital, Chunfeng Pavilion, was brightly lit and bustling with people. Immediately, she changed direction and rushed towards Chunfeng Pavilion. Just then, Li Guiyu arrived behind her and impatiently said, "Stop running." As he spoke, he grabbed the hem of her clothes and pulled her back. At that instant, arrows whizzed past, and Li Guiyu instantly turned around, grabbing the arrow aimed at him. With this distraction, Luo Wanqing took the opportunity to dash forward, exerting all her strength. She leaped over the wall of Chunfeng Pavilion, aiming to rush inside. But just as her toes touched the ground, a powerful force came from behind, pulling her back by the waist. In mid-air, Luo Wanqing twisted her body and aimed a dagger at the opponent's neck. However, the opponent seemed to have anticipated her move, grabbing her wrist holding the dagger and forcefully pressing her against the wall. The dagger slipped from her grasp, and she couldn't help but let out a soft groan as she was pinned against the wall. The young man then held her chin and leaned down to kiss her. Instinctively, she closed her eyes, but he stopped just a breath away from her lips. At that moment, Li Guiyu leaped over the wall and glanced at the corner, where he saw a young man leaning over a woman, seemingly indulging in pleasure. He immediately averted his gaze and rushed into Chunfeng Pavilion. As Li Guiyu left, the other person didn't move. Their breaths intertwined, and the familiar cold fragrance caused Luo Wanqing to involuntarily shudder. Not knowing how to react, she waited for his instructions, keeping her eyes tightly shut. After a long while, the young man pulled back and chuckled softly. "Still not opening your eyes?" Hearing this, Luo Wanqing immediately opened her eyes and looked up to see the youth wearing a golden mask. Her eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, "Cui Heng?" Seeing the change in her eyes, Cui Heng paused, suppressing his racing heart for a moment before breaking into a radiant smile. He draped his outer coat over Luo Wanqing. "Let's go." He took her wrist and jogged towards a nearby window, then leaped up and entered Chunfeng Pavilion through a second-story window, heading towards the noisy area. With Cui Heng's arrival, Luo Wanqing's mind instantly calmed. She followed him without thinking, unable to resist glancing up at him as they ran down the corridor. Today, he was originally dressed in a silver-gray silk robe with wide sleeves, embroidered with large leaf patterns. Over it, he wore a layer of pure white sheer robe, paired with a white brocade robe and a single shirt with white and silver collars underneath. Layer upon layer, he exuded extraordinary wealth. Now, with the outer robe on her, he was dressed in white robes and a silver crown, leading her through the corridor. The flickering lights fell upon her, and the scent of his clothes filled her nose. For a moment, it felt as if the robe was a rope silently binding the two of them together. He led her through the empty corridors and into the main hall, where the noise washed over them. Cui Heng wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, and whispered, "I'll take you out of here." "Why didn't you climb over the wall and leave earlier?" Luo Wanqing asked curiously. Cui Heng didn't answer. He kept his arm around her shoulders and casually took a small bottle of alcohol from a servant, appearing like a young master who frequented brothels, walking down the corridor with a beautiful courtesan. He greeted the people around them with a smile and then whispered in her ear, "Jumping over the wall would lead straight to his men. There's no need to start a conflict."

As he spoke, Cui Heng continued his instructions: "Once we step out, we'll be on the main street. I'll take you to change into another outfit first. His men must have already blocked the route back to the Supervision Division. If you stay on the street for another hour, no one will remember exactly when you appeared here. By then, it would be meaningless for him to capture you."

Luo Wanqing understood what Cui Heng meant.

There had been a smell of blood in the room at Zhai Xing Tower. It seemed Li Guiyu had set up a trap, and perhaps people from the Criminal Department or the Office of Imperial Censors were already waiting next door. The moment she entered the room, the maid standing by the door would scream, and Li Guiyu's men would rush in to subdue her. She would be caught red-handed at the scene, becoming the murderer of the person inside.

At that point, forget investigating the case of the Crown Prince; she wouldn't even be able to clear her own name.

But she had run fast, not allowing them to pin her down at the scene. With her veil, no one dared to definitively identify her. Li Guiyu could only try to catch her as soon as possible if he wanted to frame her.

However, the longer it took, the more disadvantageous it became for Li Guiyu. If she changed her clothes and lingered on the street for a while, people would remember her striking appearance but not the exact time. As long as she insisted that she had been strolling on the street all night, Li Guiyu would find it difficult to arrest her an hour or two later and claim that she was the murderer.

The key now was to leave Chunfeng Pavilion without causing any conflict, change her clothes at a clothing store on the street, and create alibis.

If they wanted to avoid conflict, disguising herself as a concubine of a young master and walking out of Chunfeng Pavilion openly was indeed the simplest solution.

Luo Wanqing thought about this and glanced at Cui Heng, who was greeting people nearby.

He could chat with anyone, appearing to be familiar with the place and blending in perfectly. Even wearing a mask didn't attract attention.

He tossed a bag of silver to a servant boy and put his arm around Luo Wanqing, leading her upstairs with the servant.

The surrounding area was bustling with noise. Dancers performed and played music on the high platform, while men and women indulged themselves. Luo Wanqing leaned against him in the dimly lit corridor, listening carefully to the surroundings, and whispered, "Why are you here?"

Cui Heng didn't answer. He saw a guard of Li Guiyu's carrying a sword and looking around as he climbed the stairs.

His gaze swept over the guard's face, and he said lazily, "Let me ask you a question."

"Hmm?"

Luo Wanqing raised her eyes and saw Cui Heng turn to look at her, smiling ambiguously. "What were you doing with your eyes closed by the wall just now?"

Luo Wanqing was taken aback and realized what he was asking. She stiffened.

Seeing her reaction, Cui Heng opened his folding fan and lowered his head, using the fan to shield their faces. He leaned close and chuckled, "Did you think," his breath tickling Luo Wanqing's ear as he calmly watched the guard pass by them, "that I was going to kiss you?"

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing's heart raced.

But she also noticed the guard nearby and understood Cui Heng's intentions. She didn't dare to dwell on it and lowered her head, remaining silent.

Under the cover of the fan, Cui Heng looked at her.

Luo Wanqing sensed his gaze but didn't dare to turn around. After a moment, Cui Heng realized something and burst out laughing.

Startled by the laughter, Luo Wanqing pushed Cui Heng away and tightened the clothes he had given her, following the servant ahead with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

Cui Heng tapped his shoulder with the fan and laughed as he followed Luo Wanqing into the room arranged by the servant.

Once inside, the servant tactfully excused himself.

Pretending she hadn't heard anything, Luo Wanqing hurried to open the window and looked outside.

The window faced an alley beside the main street. Jumping out from here and walking onto the main street would allow them to slip away unnoticed.

Feeling better, Luo Wanqing turned and said, "We can jump from here..."

"What if I did kiss you?"

They spoke at the same time.

Luo Wanqing was startled and looked at Cui Heng, who was leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed.

He gazed at her with a smile, and Luo Wanqing couldn't speak.

After a long pause, she stuttered, "In an emergency... I... didn't..."

Before she could finish, Cui Heng chuckled. "Alright."

He straightened up, walked past her, and leaped out the window, calling, "Just kidding. Let's go."

—–

**Side Scene**

Xie Heng: "Flirting with my wife right under my nose, so angry! I'd hammer the drum to pieces!"