Chapter 74

Chapter 74

◎Come, tell me you want Cui Heng◎

After bidding farewell to Xie Heng, Luo Wanqing hurried toward the Supervision Division.

She felt her body growing weaker and didn't dare delay. With a light tap of her toe, she leaped onto the wall.

But as soon as she used her inner strength, the effects of the Bliss Pill were instantly triggered. She had barely taken a few steps on the roof when her entire body went limp, and she could no longer hold herself up, tumbling down from the height.

She hit the ground hard, the pain momentarily clearing her mind. Lying there for a moment, she knew she couldn't continue walking.

Fortunately, she was in an alleyway devoid of people. With all her might, she rolled herself into an empty wooden crate and hid inside.

Afraid of any mishaps, she dared not fall asleep.

But the burning sensation throughout her body was agonizing. It felt as if she was engulfed in raging flames, sweat dripping through her clothes.

The effects of the drug were far more potent than she had imagined. She tried to calm herself with deep breaths, but after a short while, she could no longer endure it. Shaking, she pulled out a short flute from her waist and began playing it intermittently, hoping that Cui Heng would hear and come quickly.

However, before she could play for long, footsteps approached. Luo Wanqing immediately stopped and held her breath.

The footsteps grew closer, and whoever it was seemed to be looking for her. She had a hunch it was Cui Heng, yet doubted he could have arrived so swiftly.

Before she could think further, Xie Heng's voice rang out: "Xiniang."

Luo Wanqing stiffened, suppressing the words she had been about to say.

She didn't want anyone to see her like this, especially Xie Heng.

Xie Heng was her superior, and she didn't want him to witness her in such a state.

In an instant, she became much clearer-headed and clenched her teeth.

Yet the person showed no sign of leaving, saying coldly, "Xiniang, come out."

Luo Wanqing remained silent. He seemed to have confirmed her location and, after searching for a moment, finally came to the crate where she was hiding.

Luo Wanqing's heart tightened, preparing herself.

Then came the sound of "creak," as Xie Heng opened the crate. Without hesitation, Luo Wanqing struck out, and as Xie Heng dodged, she leaped out, turning to dash away!

But Xie Heng wouldn't let her leave. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.

As the male scent filled her nostrils, Luo Wanqing held her breath, but her body still went limp. Xie Heng instinctively wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her, then froze, realizing the inappropriateness of the situation.

Luo Wanqing's body trembled slightly, her sweat-soaked temples glistening. She looked at Xie Heng with determined and bright eyes, her voice hoarse as she said, "Young Master."

Xie Heng sensed her resistance and, after a pause, released her and stepped back.

The moment he let go, Luo Wanqing lost her balance and collapsed, feeling embarrassed. She pursed her lips tightly, turning her head away from Xie Heng.

Xie Heng was at a loss for what to do.

The sound of Zhuque's footsteps approached from outside the alley, calling out loudly, "Young Master, we've found—"

"Stay out!"

Xie Heng shouted, and Luo Wanqing clenched her fists.

She breathed lightly, her voice sounding as if it was dripping with moisture. "Young Master, please let me be alone for a while."

Xie Heng said nothing, looking down at the woman sitting helplessly on the ground.

Her face was flushed with an unnatural redness, like cinnabar seeping into jade, spreading across her fair skin. Her sweat-dampened hair framed her delicate features, and her dress bloomed around her, resembling the Mandala flower under the moonlight, beautiful yet suffocating.

Xie Heng dared not look at her, closing his eyes. The scent of her filled his nose, forcing himself to remain calm. In a low voice, he asked, "What kind of drug is it?"

"Bliss Pill."

Luo Wanqing didn't dare hide the truth anymore, reporting with difficulty, "Today, Zheng Biyue drugged me. I thought I could suppress its effects with the Tranquil Pill, so I took it to enter the backyard. The effects of the Bliss Pill last only one hour and have no other harmful consequences. After enduring this hour, this subordinate will be fine."

Her voice sounded as if she was about to cry, each word a torment to his ears.

Xie Heng didn't dare look at her. After a moment, he turned and said, "Follow Zhuque back to the Supervision Division. I'll fetch the antidote."

"Young Master!"

Luo Wanqing hastily grabbed the corner of his robe.

Xie Heng turned to look at her. The woman raised her head, beads of sweat sparkling on her forehead. She suppressed her desire with composure, calmly saying, "This matter is settled. There's no need to stir up trouble. Sneaking into the Zheng residence and conducting searches would be detrimental to the Supervision Division. The effects of the Bliss Pill last only one hour. This subordinate can endure it."

Xie Heng remained silent.

Such a drug could tarnish one's reputation. Although Si Shi of the Supervision Division differed from ordinary women, directly asking Zheng Biyue for the antidote to the Bliss Pill would likely embarrass someone with Luo Wanqing's character.

After pondering for a long time, he finally asked, "You were playing the flute to call Cui Heng just now?"

Luo Wanqing paused, realizing that Xie Heng must have heard her flute playing. The Supervision Division's short flutes used melodies to identify each other, but anyone with inner strength could hear them.

Knowing she couldn't hide it, she admitted, "Yes."

"I'll take you back."

Xie Heng made his decision, taking off his outer robe. He squatted down and draped it over Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing's body trembled, suppressing the ripples caused by Xie Heng's touch. She listened as he said, "I apologize for the intrusion."

With that, Xie Heng lifted her into his arms. Luo Wanqing tensed up, her breathing becoming labored, finding it increasingly difficult to bear.

Xie Heng listened to her panting and didn't dare to look down, he instructed Zhuque, "Zhuque, back to the Division." Then, he rushed back to the Supervision Division while carrying Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing, in Xie Heng's arms, struggled to suppress the urge to touch him; she didn’t even dare to look at him, only closing her eyes and shivering in his embrace.

Xie Heng carried her up the mountain swiftly, bringing her back to her small courtyard. He had Zhu Si fetch well water, tossed a piece of cold jade into the bathtub, threw her into the water, and hastily left.

Once Luo Wanqing was alone in the room, she finally relaxed. Soon after, she felt the water become extraordinarily tantalizing. Even in the icy water, she felt scalding hot.

She felt thirsty, as if she were burning in hellish flames, losing her mind.

She couldn't resist tearing off her clothes and touching herself. Before long, she heard footsteps outside.

Luo Wanqing opened her eyes with difficulty and saw the young man in blue robes and white garments stepping into the room from the doorway.

He wore a blue robe embroidered with cranes, his hair tied back with a jade-white ribbon, and a silver-white mask adorned with pearls. Compared to usual, he looked even more aloof and distant, almost possessing a divine aura like Xie Heng’s, as he walked step by step towards her.

Luo Wanqing's mind became a jumbled mess.

She stared at the person before her, feeling like a dying person wandering in a desert who suddenly encountered a clear spring.

She looked at him without any restraint; her sanity had completely snapped the moment he entered her line of sight.

The moment Cui Heng stopped in front of her, she got up without hesitation, carrying the water droplets on her body as she embraced him.

Cui Heng seemed prepared, saying only, "Don't get out of hand," before grabbing her hair and pressing her directly into the water.

Water surged from all sides, making it impossible for her to breathe. The panic brought on by suffocation gradually overpowered her desires, and Luo Wanqing struggled fiercely in the water. After a long time, she was suddenly pulled out of the water. She gasped for breath, hearing the amused voice beside her, "Are you more awake now?"

Luo Wanqing raised her trembling eyes and saw Cui Heng leaning against one side.

Her heart instantly calmed down, and some of her rationality returned. She smiled at Cui Heng and spoke, her voice as if scorched by charcoal, "Cui Heng."

Cui Heng didn't say much, turning around to take a dagger from the table, cutting his wrist, then walking up to her and offering his wrist to her.

"Drink," Cui Heng looked down at the woman in the bathtub. Her summer dress was rather thin, and after being soaked in cold water, it clung to her body. Many parts had been torn open by her, revealing a seductive view, looking vivid and lifelike.

However, his tone was calm, as if he was unaffected, saying indifferently, "The Tranquilizing Pill is no longer effective for you now. Other medicines can't help, but my blood can alleviate part of the effects. Just endure for half an hour."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing closed her eyes, seemingly regaining some of her rationality.

Half an hour.

She could endure it.

She took a moment to compose herself, suppressing her desires, reaching out to pull Cui Heng's hand to her lips, lowering her head to gently lick his wound, using her tongue to draw the blood into her mouth.

With each lick, Cui Heng would tremble, his hand clasped behind his back tightening silently.

There was a thin blade in his hand, and when he gripped it, blood flowed down.

The pain made him more alert, allowing him to calmly look down at the person in front of him.

His blood wasn't pungent, carrying a medicinal scent, and even a faint sweetness.

As the blood entered her mouth, her agitation lessened significantly.

This made Luo Wanqing somewhat entranced, feeling that this was the only thing that could quench her thirst at the moment.

After licking away the surface blood, she couldn’t help holding his hand and gently sucking out more blood.

Cui Heng clenched his hand even tighter behind his back, drops of blood falling. He looked at her tenderly and indulgently, seeing her licking his wound like a fox or a kitten, unable to resist laughing, his eyes darkening further.

Luo Wanqing looked up in confusion. His blood indeed made her more lucid, and she asked him, "Why are you laughing?"

"Nothing," Cui Heng's voice was slightly hoarse, he simply said, "Keep drinking."

At first, the blood was clearly effective, but slowly it became useless.

It was unclear how long had passed, but the cold jade seemed to lose its effect, and the water in the tub felt scalding. She felt that his blood was no longer effective, but instead, his hand, touching her lips, felt cool and comfortable.

She held onto his hand under the guise of drinking his blood, unable to let go.

She even wanted more.

But the remaining rationality in her made her dare not move too much, so she could only drink his blood while looking up at him, unable to hide her probing and pleading, yet not daring to speak.

Cui Heng watched the person in the bathtub probing him, silent and unresponsive.

He was like someone watching a fire from afar, calm and composed.

Luo Wanqing was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Looking at the person in front of her, she suddenly felt jealous and resentful, unable to resist biting him.

A fine itch spread from his wrist, Cui Heng's voice hoarse as he reprimanded softly, "Don't bite."

Saying this, he forced himself to turn his head, avoiding looking at her.

However, upon turning his head, he saw shadows projected on the screen, the figures of a tall man and a woman bent over, sucking blood.

Cui Heng's breathing hitched, and then became disordered.

When the person in the bathtub heard his disordered breathing, she seemed to sense a crack in his defenses and immediately took advantage. Lips stained with blood trailed kisses down his hand, her scorching lips enclosing around his fingers.

The soft touch of her tongue on his fingertips startled Cui Heng, causing him to retreat instantly.

Luo Wanqing didn't care about anything else, instinctively following his hand as she rose from the water to kiss him.

Cold water splashed onto him, and Cui Heng suddenly regained clarity. Before her lips touched him, he grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her away from him!

Luo Wanqing's hand was already around his neck, her cold body pressed against his. Their lips were half an inch apart, and their rapid breaths intertwined.

Luo Wanqing looked at him with restraint. Cui Heng's Adam's apple moved slightly, and his breathing became disordered.

He stared at the person in front of him, unable to resist pressing his forehead against hers.

As soon as the silver mask touched her skin, Luo Wanqing trembled lightly.

Cui Heng noticed this. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, muttering, "You've lost your mind!"

Luo Wanqing didn't move. She looked at him with longing, knowing that she had overstepped, but only waited for Cui Heng's response.

She didn't care.

She didn't know if she had really lost her mind as Cui Heng said, but she held onto him, clearly aware that if it was Cui Heng, she could do it. She didn't care.

But she didn't dare say it.

All she could do was tighten her grip on his neck, which was the extent of her request.

Cui Heng noticed her movement and his breathing grew heavier.

He knew he should pull her away. This person wasn't thinking clearly, and he couldn't afford to lose his mind either.

She was only so bold because she knew he wouldn't do anything. If he actually did something, she might not like it.

But his hand around her neck wouldn't budge. Their foreheads remained touching as they panted softly. Seeing this, Luo Wanqing tentatively tried to kiss him. At that moment, the sound of clashing weapons suddenly came from outside.

Cui Heng's expression turned grim, and he suddenly regained his composure. As if the person in his arms was a monster, he threw Luo Wanqing back into the water and turned to leave, closing his eyes. "It's almost time. You'll have to endure it yourself."

With those words, he walked out of the room.

Once he stepped out of the room, the night breeze blew, finally helping him calm down. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, cursing himself for losing control. Then, he took a deep breath, shook his sleeves, and strode away.

He made his way to the end of the mountain path and stood in front of his small courtyard. There, he saw Li Guiyu slash his sword at Zhuque and Qingya, who were guarding the mountain gate.

Xie Heng's expression turned grim. He broke a branch off a tree and used it as a sword, swinging it towards Li Guiyu.

The branch flew through the air and collided with Li Guiyu's longsword, forcing him to stop. Qingya and Zhuque took the opportunity to retreat and land beside Xie Heng.

Xie Heng looked up at Li Guiyu and asked coldly, "Why has Third Highness come here?"

"Where is Liu Xiniang?"

Li Guiyu raised his gaze and fixed his cold eyes on Cui Heng's mask.

"Is Your Highness here to deliver medicine?"

Xie Heng understood Li Guiyu's intentions and simply held out his hand. "Give me the medicine and get out."

"I want to see her."

Hearing this, Xie Heng felt annoyed. The anger he had been suppressing all day erupted, and his aura intensified. "Do you think you can negotiate with me in the Supervision Division?!"

Li Guiyu was speechless.

From that one strike, he knew the other party's strength. With Zhuque and Qingya, plus this person, there was no chance he could see "Liu Xiniang" today.

Judging by how tightly they were guarding her, "Liu Xiniang" must be confined in her room due to the effects of the drug. Since this person was here, "Liu Xiniang" must be alone in her room.

Having confirmed her safety, Li Guiyu calmed down.

He had come solely to deliver the medicine and didn't intend to start any further conflicts.

He calmed down and was about to hand over the medicine when he suddenly realized something upon looking at the young man in front of him.

He stared at the other party's mask and couldn't help asking, "On the night of May 17th, was it you who shot arrows and set off fireworks at the Music Pavilion?"

Xie Heng chuckled upon hearing this, understanding what Li Guiyu was asking. He felt a bit more pleased.

"So what if it was me? And what if it wasn't?"

With this answer, Li Guiyu confirmed his suspicion. His expression unchanged, he asked, "Was it also you who taught her to play the zither?"

"Are you talking about Si Shi Liu?" Xie Heng pretended not to know, then said, "Indeed, it was me."

Upon hearing this, Li Guiyu laughed, his eyes filled with venom. He repeated the name, "Cui Heng, Cui Guanlan."

"That would be me."

Xie Heng nodded.

Li Guiyu didn't say anything else. He tossed the medicine bottle in his hand, and Xie Heng caught it. Then, Li Guiyu asked, "Do you know why she wanted to learn the zither from you?"

Xie Heng gripped the medicine bottle and looked up at the other person.

Li Guiyu smiled. "She learned the pipa for me, and she practiced for five years. We once agreed that no matter how much we argued, if she played the pipa, it meant she forgave me. She learned the zither to avoid me."

"That's Luo Wanqing," Xie Heng reminded him calmly, "not Liu Xiniang."

"She learned the pipa for me, and now she's learning the zither for me." Li Guiyu seemed not to hear him. He looked at Xie Heng and said, "It's just a piece of music. Don't take it seriously."

At these words, Xie Heng let out a low laugh.

He held the porcelain bottle casually. "If it doesn't matter, why are you telling me this?"

Li Guiyu didn't answer.

Xie Heng turned and walked towards the back of the mountain, saying slowly, "Your Highness, in this world, when people part ways, they naturally let go."

At the words, Li Guiyu's voice turned cold instantly as he affirmed, "There's nothing between her and me that needs to be resolved."

"Then why not give it a try?"

Xie Heng turned to look at him, his tone laced with coldness.

The two stood in silence, staring each other down. Li Guiyu looked at his mask and suddenly smiled. "What will you use to test it?"

Xie Heng was silent at the question.

Li Guiyu sensed he had hit a sore spot and pressed on. "With your face that you can't show to anyone?"

At these words, Xie Heng began to laugh slowly. He couldn't help but speak, "And if so?"

Li Guiyu stared at him and simply said, "You wouldn't dare."

Xie Heng laughed out loud at this, raising his hand and saying, "Show him out."

With that, he held the porcelain bottle and turned around, heading towards Luo Wanqing's room with a smile.

The night wind was cold, and the stars and moon shone brightly. Chuisi perched on a tree branch in the courtyard, tilting its head to watch Xie Heng walk along the corridor.

Xie Heng held the porcelain bottle, his smile unwavering, but his mind replayed the restraint he felt when observing their confrontation.

From the first time Luo Wanqing and Li Guiyu gazed at each other, he stopped by the side.

Initially, he was just angry, but now he felt a sense of discontent.

Why?

Why couldn't he interfere with their interactions, comment on their feelings, participate in their past, or change their future?

Just because he was Xie Heng.

Xie Heng's reason, his existence, and his future were all holding him back. He was the future Si Shi of the Supervision Division, someone he shouldn't touch, a bright moon out of reach.

Xie Heng was the peach blossom brew that made her forget everything, the soothing incense that lulled her to sleep, the hand that covered her eyes when he kissed them, the rope that restrained him before every transgression.

So even though he yearned for her, desired her, he could only gaze at her from afar.

Even though he was lost in every "I miss you" she uttered, delighted by every letter and word from her.

He was entranced by the pipa tunes she played for him, elated by the flying crane hairpin she bought for him.

All his desires materialized into a burning passion, making him constantly want to claim her, possess her.

He wanted her so much, but he couldn't compete, couldn't fight, couldn't dwell on it.

He was an outsider in her life, because he was Xie Heng.

But what if he was Cui Heng, just Cui Heng?

When this thought emerged, the ropes of reason snapped.

It was like a fire ignited in his heart, spreading across the dry grasslands.

Gripping the porcelain bottle, he pushed open the door and entered the room.

Luo Wanqing was dazedly soaking in the water. Hearing a sound, she opened her eyes in confusion and saw Cui Heng return.

Upon his return, the entire room filled with his presence again, leaving Luo Wanqing slightly dizzy. But perhaps due to the prolonged duration, the effects seemed to be wearing off, making her less sensitive.

She stared blankly as Cui Heng walked up to her and looked down at her without moving.

He wanted to be Cui Heng.

Looking at the person before him, Xie Heng suddenly realized clearly.

He wanted to be Cui Heng.

Sensing something amiss with him, Luo Wanqing tilted her head up to look at him and asked hoarsely, "What's wrong?"

He didn't answer, merely staring at her.

"I'll choose for you."

Cui Heng looked at her and slowly inserted his right hand's fingers into her hair at the nape of her neck.

His movements were slow, and when his fingertips touched her hair, the agitation she had suppressed in the cold water rose again.

Her breathing became heavier, and Cui Heng placed his left hand beside her, slowly opening it to reveal a white porcelain bottle. "Do you want the antidote Li Guiyu brought?"

As he spoke, he held her, forcing her to lift her head. He bent over slightly, coming close to her face. "Or Cui Heng?"

Luo Wanqing was speechless, staring into the eyes of the person before her.

His eyes beneath the mask remained fixed on her, seemingly waiting for her decision.

Li Guiyu's antidote.

Or Cui Heng?

If she spoke, Cui Heng would live for her.

Luo Wanqing stared at him blankly, understanding what Cui Heng meant.

Li Guiyu had brought the antidote to the Euphoria Pill, although she didn't know how he obtained it. Given Li Guiyu's character, even if she only had Luo Wanqing's face, he would never let anyone else touch her.

Her reason told her that she needed to take the antidote.

Yet, it was unknown whether due to the influence of the drug, her gaze could not leave the person before her.

He let her choose.

She was surrounded by this person's scent, invading every pore of her being, making her senses suddenly become extraordinarily sharp.

She raised her hand from the water, and Cui Heng's gaze followed to her wrist where the Qianji Bead Bracelet lay.

He had personally placed this bracelet on her wrist.

Back then, he even asked if she needed help putting on the waist chain.

She declined.

But at this moment, as she looked into his unguarded eyes, she felt a sudden pang of regret.

She wanted it.

Luo Wanqing couldn't tear her eyes away from Cui Heng, her breaths quickening as she forced herself with reason to move her hand toward the porcelain bottle in his hand.

However, her mind screamed in frenzy, making her aware of her desires.

She wanted it.

She wanted him.

She wanted the man before her.

Her thoughts were laid bare in her eyes, and Cui Heng watched silently, as if understanding everything.

Just as her fingertips touched the porcelain bottle, he tilted it with his left hand.

The bottle slipped into the water, and with his right hand, he pulled her up fiercely, bringing her directly to his front like a raging wave, and kissed her hard!

Luo Wanqing's eyes widened instantly as she felt herself lifted lightly out of the water and onto him. The sensation of weightlessness made her instinctively cling to his neck. He held her hair at the nape of her neck, forcing her to fully immerse herself in him. Her eyes closed as his tongue pried open her lips, plunging deep within, claiming every inch of her.

He ravaged her mouth, sweeping through every corner, relentless and domineering, as if trying to devour her whole.

She struggled to breathe, panicking and trying to retreat, but he held her firmly, giving her no room to escape, causing her entire body to tremble uncontrollably, a low moan escaping her lips.

He bit her, embraced her, melding her into his very being, intertwining their bodies in an inseparable union.

Time seemed to lose meaning as he drained the last breath from her lungs. Just as she felt the edge of suffocation, he finally released her.

Immediately after, she felt a lightness on her body, accompanied by the sound of tearing fabric. He tore off her clothes and pressed her down onto the bed.

Luo Wanqing looked at him, feeling both panic and fear, yet there was a hidden longing within her.

She breathed softly, watching as he calmly untied the ribbon in his hair.

A cascade of black tresses fell, brushing against her alabaster skin.

"Half an hour."

He suddenly spoke, uttering a sentence that Luo Wanqing couldn't understand at all.

She stared at him blankly, her mind entirely preoccupied with this person.

He raised his hand and draped the ribbon over her eyes, enveloping her in complete darkness, which sharpened all her senses.

She heard him flip the switch on the mask and place it beside her.

Then she felt a cold jade pendant press against her.

It was a white jade pendant carved with cloud patterns, with his "Heng" inscribed between the lines, allowing her to clearly perceive the character "Heng" as he slowly caressed it.

She couldn't help but clutch the bedsheet, her body taut like a drawn bow.

"Come." He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, the kiss as delicate as the spring rain, while his other hand interlaced with hers, firmly holding her in place, leaving no room for retreat. His dominance was laced with seduction as he sucked and kissed her, commanding, "Say you want Cui Heng."

The author has something to say:

"Small Theater"

Luo Wanqing: "Did you have a fight?"

Cui Heng: "Hmm... just a few moves."

Li Guiyu: "He is right."

Luo Wanqing: "Who won?"

Cui Heng: "Just... three moves are not enough to showcase one's skills, and no clear winner has been determined."

Li Guiyu: "The time is insufficient for a contest, and no distinction can be made between superior and inferior."

Luo Wanqing: "But everyone says Xie Heng has won."

Li Guiyu: "Who said that? Step forward!"

Cui Heng: "Which master has such discerning vision?"

Li Guiyu: "……"

Cui Heng: "There is a reason why you are not likable."

Li Guiyu: "Speak up with your main account; your secondary account talks too much."