Chapter 73

Chapter 73

• Having been Cui Heng, how could I settle for merely being Xie Heng? •

These words caused Li Guiyu's breath to halt. He stared at her, his mind becoming somewhat muddled.

She was right; it would take a long time to learn the lute, but wasn't that also true for martial arts?

She didn't have a single bone in common with Luo Wanqing, and apart from the lute, he hadn't actually found any concrete evidence that she was Luo Wanqing.

But he just felt that she was.

"You don't want to acknowledge it." Li Guiyu stared at her as he spoke, his voice trembling.

Seeing him waver, Luo Wanqing smiled slightly and said, "Your Highness can think whatever you like, but I currently have no mission. I cannot deceive Your Highness."

With that, Luo Wanqing feigned calm and nodded. "Farewell."

As she turned to leave, a fierce sword qi suddenly came at her from behind. Luo Wanqing spun in mid-air, and the sword qi instantly severed the hairpin on her head. As her dark hair cascaded down like a waterfall, Luo Wanqing threw a signal flare upward.

The signal flare exploded above their heads, and Luo Wanqing and Li Guiyu exchanged a palm strike. She then felt a tremendous force push her away.

She controlled her body as she was sent flying, and just as she landed, she saw Li Guiyu rushing toward her. Luo Wanqing drew a curved blade from her sleeve and aimed for Li Guiyu's throat. Li Guiyu deflected it with the lantern in his hand, which he used like a sword, aiming its tip at her collar.

Luo Wanqing's expression changed slightly as she fiercely twisted his lantern pole with the blade and shouted, "What are you doing?!"

"Since you won't acknowledge it, let's verify it."

Li Guiyu said coldly, "Luo Wanqing has a red mole on her shoulder. Since you're not her, why not let me see for myself?"

These words caused Luo Wanqing's heart to panic. Li Guiyu twirled the lantern in his hand, instantly forcing Luo Wanqing back.

The signal flare had already been launched, so Luo Wanqing no longer had any reservations. She leaped over the wall and headed straight for the main courtyard, engaging Li Guiyu in combat.

Their exchange lasted only a moment before the surrounding guards arrived. The guards of the Zheng residence saw Li Guiyu and Luo Wanqing fighting and immediately drew their swords and surrounded them.

Upon seeing this, Li Guiyu's sword wind intensified. Luo Wanqing remained particularly calm, retreating while fighting. As they reached the bridge, Li Guiyu's sword momentum surged, and he used the lantern as a sword to slash at Luo Wanqing's shoulder. Her path was blocked, and she saw the lantern pole coming at her, leaving her no way to avoid it.

The pole was coming too fast, about to tear through her clothes, when another lantern suddenly rushed over and collided with Li Guiyu's lantern!

The two lanterns collided and went out, then tangled together, dragging Li Guiyu's lantern into the water.

A clear and elegant voice sounded behind her. "Xiniang, come here."

Without any thought, Luo Wanqing took advantage of the moment the lanterns collided and retreated to the speaker's side.

Li Guiyu looked up with a cold gaze and saw that many people had gathered around. Xie Heng stood at the bridgehead, dressed in a long robe, holding a lantern in his hand, looking at him indifferently.

Luo Wanqing stood beside Xie Heng, breathing lightly with her head lowered. Xie Heng glanced at her torn outer robe and handed her the lantern. "Hold it."

Luo Wanqing took the lantern in confusion, and Li Guiyu's eyes turned icy.

But no one dared to approach.

This was Xie Heng.

He held the pinnacle of life and death power in Great Xia and was the most favored by the Holy One.

Li Guiyu clenched his fists without saying a word.

Xie Heng then reached out and took off his outer robe, draping it over Luo Wanqing.

He performed this action with propriety, not touching Luo Wanqing at all. However, when Xie Heng's aura enveloped her, Luo Wanqing stiffened.

Xie Heng sensed her resistance and paused, then seemed to become annoyed. His aura pressed down as he looked at her and ordered, "Wear it."

Luo Wanqing didn't dare move.

Even though he had been in charge of the Supervision Division for many years, Xie Heng was still a Young Master from a noble family, and some etiquette was ingrained in him.

For example, when the Love Seed had tried to assassinate him and led him to the back mountain, he would offer his arm to support her on the bumpy path. Now that her hair was loose and her clothes were disheveled, he naturally wouldn't ignore her.

Luo Wanqing knew that he did this because her clothes had been torn by Li Guiyu's sword qi, and there was no hint of romantic interest. But perhaps due to the effects of the drug, wearing his robe made her senses suddenly become unusually sharp.

She wore Xie Heng's robe and didn't dare speak, burying her face in the shadows. She whispered, "Yes."

Hearing this, Xie Heng reined in his aura and looked at Li Guiyu, who had been staring at them.

More and more people gathered around. Zheng Biyue hurried over with a group of people. Seeing Luo Wanqing, her expression turned cold, and she quickly ran to Li Guiyu, asking anxiously, "Your Highness, are you alright?"

Li Guiyu didn't say anything, only staring at the lantern in Luo Wanqing's hand and the robe covering her.

Zheng Biyue sensed something was amiss and asked, "Why did Your Highness start fighting with Envoy Liu? And Envoy Liu," she turned to look at Luo Wanqing, frowning, "why are you in the backyard of my Zheng residence?"

"As Miss Zheng should know," Luo Wanqing immediately responded, using the prepared explanation she had ready, "I felt unwell after leaving the banquet and came to rest in the backyard. I was about to leave when Third Highness started bothering me, leading to our fight."

"Envoy Liu's explanation is full of holes. If you came in openly, why did you sneak out?" Li Guiyu stared at her, clearly not intending to let her go. "There was a thief in the Zheng residence today, and valuable items were stolen. We searched for over an hour in the afternoon. If Envoy Liu doesn't go to the Criminal Department, it will be hard to explain."

"I'm willing to go," Luo Wanqing chuckled upon hearing this, then raised her head and looked at Zheng Biyue, her words carrying a deeper meaning. "But as someone from the Supervision Division, I cannot allow such baseless accusations. If we're going to investigate, let's do it thoroughly. Let's involve the Supervision Division, the Criminal Department, and the Imperial Household together to find out how I entered the backyard today and why I encountered a man. After meeting, he tore my clothes. What was his intention?"

Hearing this, Zheng Biyue instantly understood what Luo Wanqing was reminding her of.

It was undeniable that she had drugged Luo Wanqing and sent her into the backyard. It would be fine if they didn't investigate, but if the Supervision Division, the Criminal Department, and the Imperial Household got involved, there was a risk that something might be uncovered.

At that point, Luo Wanqing could accuse her of drugging her and having Li Guiyu attempt to violate her. Even without sufficient evidence, it would be hard to clear her name.

After all, she bore such a resemblance to Li Guiyu's fiancée, and he had indeed torn her clothes. Claiming that Li Guiyu had designs on Luo Wanqing wasn't entirely baseless.

And she had drugged Luo Wanqing and sent her to the backyard...

Li Guiyu now enjoyed an excellent reputation at court. This was a critical period following the Crown Prince's recent passing, and the other princes were all restlessly eyeing the throne. If there was any incriminating evidence like this, real or not, it would surely be used by those with ulterior motives.

If Li Guiyu wasn't here today, drugging a Sixth-Rank Si Shi would be a minor issue. Even if discovered, Zheng Biyue could simply sacrifice someone to take the fall.

But with Li Guiyu involved, she couldn't afford to drag him into this mess.

Zheng Biyue quickly made up her mind and immediately said, "Misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding!"

When Zheng Biyue spoke, Li Guiyu immediately looked over. She knew he was warning her, but she steeled herself and smiled as she explained, "Si Shi Liu was indeed unwell today, so I had someone take her to the back courtyard." She then turned to Li Guiyu and smiled, saying, "Your Highness must have mistaken her for an intruder, which is why you took such drastic measures."

Upon hearing this, Li Guiyu realized there was more to the story. Without Zheng Biyue's cooperation, he wouldn't be able to keep Luo Wanqing here.

But letting her go...

Li Guiyu raised his eyes and stared intently at the person wearing Xie Heng's cloak behind him.

No one around them spoke. After a long while, he stepped forward, approaching Xie Heng. Just as he was about to continue, Xie Heng spoke, his voice strained with barely contained restraint: "Stop."

Hearing this, Li Guiyu knew he couldn't proceed.

He clenched his fists, his gaze piercing through Xie Heng to focus solely on Luo Wanqing behind him. It was as if no one else existed around them. In a low voice audible only to the three of them on the bridge, he coldly asked, "If you're not her, why won't you let me verify?"

"Your Highness won't find anything," Luo Wanqing replied calmly. "The mark you mentioned is too easy to fake. I'm afraid you might stubbornly cling to your delusions."

"You refuse to acknowledge it," Li Guiyu stated firmly.

Luo Wanqing lifted her eyes to meet Li Guiyu's gaze and responded coolly, "Since I'm not her, how can I acknowledge it?"

Li Guiyu laughed, his smile filled with icy disdain. "Then why did you try to pretend to be her before, hinting that you were her? Were you lying to me?"

"It was part of the mission," Luo Wanqing answered matter-of-factly. "I hope Your Highness will understand."

"Then lie to me again," Li Guiyu said, looking at her. "Tell me, since you've returned, why didn't you come to me?"

"Third Highness," Xie Heng finally spoke, lifting his eyes. "Enough."

At Xie Heng's words, Li Guiyu finally shifted his gaze.

He stared at Xie Heng for a long moment before finally saying, "Thank you, Director, for the reminder."

Then he turned to Luo Wanqing once more. He held back his emotions and finally said, "One last time."

If that corpse wasn't her...

If she was really deceiving him...

If she refused to acknowledge...

Thinking this, Li Guiyu smiled warmly and bowed his head in a polite gesture. "Farewell."

Without further explanation, Li Guiyu turned and walked away.

Luo Wanqing frowned, watching his retreating figure, feeling a sense of unease.

As soon as he left, Zheng Biyue reacted and hurried after him.

Xie Heng also turned his gaze, briefly looking at Luo Wanqing, who was still watching Li Guiyu and Zheng Biyue's backs. He said softly, "Let's go."

Luo Wanqing quickly followed, walking behind Xie Heng.

Xie Heng moved swiftly, his demeanor colder than before, making him seem even more solitary and distant.

Luo Wanqing sensed this and knew that Xie Heng was likely quite displeased.

Involving subordinates in matters of romance during official business would irritate any superior.

She remained silent, keeping her head down as she followed Xie Heng, walking all the way to the reception hall where the guests were gathered.

Upon entering the hall, everyone turned to look.

Wearing Xie Heng's outer robe and holding a lantern, Luo Wanqing kept her face hidden in the shadows as she hurried along with Xie Heng. Although her face was obscured, those who noticed recognized her from the exposed parts of her clothing. Her presence had been too prominent today, and even the patterns on her clothes were enough for some observant individuals to remember her.

If she were a maiden awaiting marriage, her reputation would have been ruined today. But as a Si Shi of the Supervision Division, unexpected incidents were common during investigations. The guests could only stare in surprise, too cautious to ask questions.

Xie Heng had no intention of lingering here and moved quickly, which suited Luo Wanqing just fine.

Today had dragged on longer than expected, and the effects of the Euphoria Pill, which she had been suppressing, were becoming harder to control. Reaching the Supervision Division sooner meant greater safety for her.

However, they hadn't walked far when a loud shout came from behind: "Lingshu!"

Xie Heng stopped, and Luo Wanqing's heart skipped a beat.

They turned around to see Xie Yushu running towards them, holding a lantern. Upon seeing Luo Wanqing, Xie Yushu was about to speak but then noticed the lantern in her hand.

He stared at the lantern in confusion. Xie Heng subtly blocked Luo Wanqing from view and asked impatiently, "What is it?"

"Oh," Xie Yushu quickly recovered and said, "I wanted to say... Uncle... we haven't seen each other for a long time." His voice lowered as he continued, "Since you could attend the Music Festival..."

"I'm here on official business."

Xie Heng cut him off.

Xie Yushu's expression stiffened slightly before he awkwardly laughed. "Oh, right."

His gaze drifted back to the lantern in Luo Wanqing's hand, hesitating before asking, "Why is the lantern..."

Before he could finish, he felt Xie Heng's icy stare and realized he shouldn't push further.

His voice froze, and Xie Heng's momentum slightly subsided. He casually glanced at him before turning around and saying, "Let's go."

With that, he led Luo Wanqing away.

Luo Wanqing followed behind Xie Heng, walking straight ahead. When they left the residence, they saw Zhuque sitting on the carriage with a blade of grass in his mouth, humming a tune idly.

Seeing Xie Heng emerge, Zhuque immediately jumped down from the front of the carriage and said respectfully, "Young Master."

Xie Heng acknowledged it with a sound and stepped onto the carriage using the footrest.

When Xie Heng entered the carriage, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but hesitate.

Her current state wasn't good, and being alone with Xie Heng in a carriage made her fear revealing any abnormalities.

She didn't dare to get into the carriage. Sensing her hesitation, Xie Heng looked over and commanded, "Get in."

"Young Master," Luo Wanqing pursed her lips tightly and said softly, "I wish to return by myself."

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng questioned coldly, "Why?"

"Thank you for your assistance today, Young Master," Luo Wanqing, unaware of Xie Heng's unusual behavior, handed him back his clothes and lantern. Zhuque took them in confusion as she continued, "I have other matters to attend to. I hope you will permit me."

Xie Heng remained silent.

Logically, Xie Heng should have let her go at this point, but he still didn't. After a long pause, he continued to question, "What matters?"

This surprised Luo Wanqing. She hadn't expected Xie Heng to continue asking. For a moment, she was at a loss for what lie to tell.

Seeing her expression, Xie Heng knew she was just evading the question.

Feeling a sense of self-loathing, he turned his head and said indifferently, "Go then."

Relieved, Luo Wanqing hastily turned and left.

Listening to her receding footsteps, a bitter feeling rose within him, making him feel unbearable.

Zhuque watched Luo Wanqing leave and couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"

Turning to look at Xie Heng, he asked curiously, "Young Master, did you two have an argument?"

"It has nothing to do with me."

Xie Heng lowered the carriage curtain and said indifferently, "Let's go."

It had nothing to do with him.

Her love, her hatred, her future—none of it had anything to do with Xie Heng.

She was merely a subordinate he had cultivated, no different from Zhuque, Xingling, or anyone else in the Supervision Division.

So when she dealt with her private affairs and confronted Li Guiyu, he couldn't say a word more.

When she turned to leave, he couldn't try to keep her.

Xie Heng could only stand aside, watching and sending her off. He would cultivate her into the most outstanding Si Shi of the Supervision Division, watching her rise and soar on the clouds.

He was originally a lingering lost soul, coming alone and destined to depart without any attachments.

But he was also Cui Heng.

Xie Heng closed his eyes, unable to resist curling his fingers, feeling as if the tip of his heart had been sharply grazed by that white jade flying crane hairpin, instantly recalling the woman he couldn't resist reaching out to touch under the fireworks.

Cui Heng, who had seen the most beautiful scenery in the world,

How could he be content with being just Xie Heng?

"Young Master," Zhuque's voice sounded from outside, somewhat puzzled. "Are you really letting Si Shi Liu go by herself? She seemed a bit off to me."

These words caused Xie Heng's movements to pause.

The wild thoughts swirling in his mind suddenly stopped. A scene flashed through his mind: Luo Wanqing hinting at Zheng Biyue earlier, "If we're investigating, let's investigate thoroughly. Please have the Supervision Division, Criminal Department, and Imperial Household come together to investigate. Let's see how I ended up in the backyard today and why I met a man, and after meeting, why he tore my clothes..."

He suddenly realized something and shouted urgently, "Stop!"

As he spoke, he lifted the carriage curtain and looked down the road coldly. "Which direction did she go?"

******

Just as Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng left, Zheng Biyue chased after Li Guiyu into the backyard.

Once they entered the deserted alley, Li Guiyu turned and grabbed Zheng Biyue by the neck, slamming her against the wall and saying coldly, "Give me a reason."

Zheng Biyue knew Li Guiyu was referring to her letting Liu Xiniang go. Struggling, she looked at Li Guiyu and said with difficulty, "Shouldn't I be the one asking, Your Highness? Why did you invite her to the Zheng residence, and why were you so intent on taking her to the dungeon?"

"Don't you know she's involved in the case concerning the Eastern Palace?" Li Guiyu leaned closer, and Zheng Biyue laughed coldly.

"So why did she come here today?" She didn't give an inch, confronting him head-on.

Li Guiyu's expression turned slightly cold.

The Wang family didn't want the Zheng family to know about their mess. If Zheng Pingsheng found out, there was no telling what he might do.

Moreover, if Zheng Pingsheng knew Li Guiyu was working for the Wang family, he might have some thoughts.

Zheng Biyue didn't dare to let him know what she had done, but she was certain he wouldn't dare to tell her directly about what he had done tonight.

In their mutual gaze, they both understood each other's intentions.

After a moment, Li Guiyu released his grip and stepped forward, speaking softly in submission, "Biyue, you know my difficulties. Don't make things hard for me. We are about to be married; we are one."

"I understand Your Highness's meaning," hearing Li Guiyu's softened tone, Zheng Biyue's voice also became gentler. She said slowly, "But Si Shi Liu really did enter the backyard due to illness. If an investigation is conducted, I'm afraid it might harm Your Highness's reputation. As a woman, if she insists on defaming Your Highness, even if you are innocent, it would be difficult to clear your name."

Hearing this, Li Guiyu paused, lifting his gaze to stare at Zheng Biyue, instantly understanding what she had done.

He suppressed his panic and anxiety, concealing the coldness in his eyes as he smiled. "I was careless in my thoughts, I misunderstood you."

"As long as His Highness is well, the grievances Biyue endures are inconsequential."

Zheng Biyue lowered her head shyly, yet showed no sign of yielding.

"The banquet hasn't ended," Li Guiyu turned his head away, "let me accompany you to meet the guests."

This request from Li Guiyu surprised Zheng Biyue, but his willingness to introduce her to the guests was another form of acknowledgment for her future status. Zheng Biyue did not refuse, simply saying, "Yes."

With that, the two left together. Li Guiyu glanced at Zi Tang, who had been standing nearby all along, gesturing towards the backyard before stepping out.

Li Guiyu accompanied Zheng Biyue to meet some people in the flower hall, then saw Zi Tang reappear within his sight. Without delay, he turned to look at Zheng Biyue and smiled warmly. "Biyue, I'm a bit tired, let's call it a day here. I'll take my leave now."

Seeing that it was getting late, Zheng Biyue didn't try to keep him, seeing Li Guiyu off as he left.

Once Li Guiyu led Zi Tang and Qingzhu out the door, Zi Tang immediately stepped forward. "I asked a servant girl; she said Lady Liu used the Elixir of Bliss on Si Shi."

Hearing this, Li Guiyu's eyes turned cold as he raised his hand. "Where's the antidote?"

"Here," Zi Tang presented the medicine bottle, "I stole it following the servant girl's instructions."

Li Guiyu uncorked the bottle and sniffed it, confirming there was no problem with the medicine. Then he lifted his gaze. "What happened to the servant girl?"

"She's dead."

Zi Tang lowered his gaze. "I threw her in an alley."

"Pity," Li Guiyu put the medicine away, speaking icily, "you should have placed her on Zheng Biyue's bed. She's become too reckless."

"And," Zi Tang pursed his lips, somewhat nervously adding, "Your Highness, they took Lu Lingchan away."

"It doesn't matter." Li Guiyu turned and leaped in the direction of the Supervision Division, saying indifferently, "He won't survive. Let's find Liu Xiniang first."

---

**Behind-the-Scenes**

Luo Wanqing: "Wow, the Technical Department of the Supervision Division is amazing, they made the token in just one day!"

Zhuque: "...They had it prepared beforehand, okay?"

**Behind-the-Scenes 2**

Luo Wanqing: "Director Zhang is amazing, how did you get back?"

Zhang Yiran: "I'm in good health, I planned to run back."

Luo Wanqing: "Impressive..."

Zhang Yiran: "And then we just happened to run into Zhuque."

Luo Wanqing: "???"

Zhang Yiran: "He carried me back."

Luo Wanqing: "Zhuque is such a good guy, carrying Lord Zhang here to work."

Zhuque: "Young Master said if he didn't come to work, no one would help him vent his frustration. He must work today."

"Side Story · 3"

Xie Heng: "I'm from the Dao Sect, so I've learned a lot of varied things."

Luo Wanqing: "So has Cui Heng?"

Xie Heng: "How did you know?"

Luo Wanqing: "Uh... He mentioned learning some things in his sect."

Xie Heng: "Oh? What?"

Luo Wanqing: "..."

Xie Heng: "Tell me, let's see what he learned?"

Luo Wanqing: "Bedroom arts."

Xie Heng: "Oh~ Indeed, I've studied that too."

Luo Wanqing: "..."

Xie Heng: "Two aliases teasing my wife is truly delightful."

Qingya: "Greenlighting oneself is indeed quite enjoyable."

Xie Heng: "..."

Qingya: "Ah, sorry, Young Master. This subordinate actually blurted out the truth! I was wrong!"

Xie Heng: "...Scram..."