Chapter 91: Luo Wanqing and Her Two Weaknesses

Chapter 91: Luo Wanqing and Her Two Weaknesses

With that, Luo Wanqing led Zhang Yiran and Cui Heng through the crowd and out.

Zhang Yiran still held the wooden board, constantly on guard of his surroundings, looking quite tense. Meanwhile, Cui Heng carried his sword and walked without a care in the world, appearing particularly relaxed.

Once they followed Luo Wanqing out of the county office and onto the carriage, Zhang Yiran couldn't hold back any longer. He immediately said, "It's definitely not—"

"I know."

Luo Wanqing interrupted Zhang Yiran. He paused, frowning. "Are we just leaving Xingling behind like this?"

"One thing at a time."

Luo Wanqing poured cups of tea for Zhang Yiran and Cui Heng, handing them over as she comforted, "Xingling will be fine for now. Let’s figure out what they’re planning first. Did you get the records today?"

"Just some useless ones."

Cui Heng chuckled, tossing two books onto the table and tapping it. "With my years of experience reading ledgers, I can tell at a glance that these are fake."

"What about the roster?"

Luo Wanqing looked at Zhang Yiran, who shook his head. "They didn’t even take me to the archives. They showed us the tax silver accounts first. When I asked to see the roster, they said they’d take Xingling to find it."

Zhang Yiran sounded regretful. "I thought the Si Shi Starling was skilled, but then—"

"Minister Zhang, there’s no need to blame yourself. Actually, this isn’t a big deal."

Luo Wanqing consoled him, thinking. "It would be easy for the Starling Si Shi to clear their name. Their sword techniques are unique; checking the blade marks would be enough to clear the injustice."

"Then why didn’t you say so right away?"

Zhang Yiran didn’t understand. Luo Wanqing smiled, pondering. "Because I want to know what they’re really up to. Out of all of us, Xingling is probably the least threatening to them. Now they’re using this method to lure Xingling away..."

Luo Wanqing didn’t finish her sentence, but Zhang Yiran caught on. "They want to kill us?"

"Possibly."

Luo Wanqing nodded, then continued, "Tonight, I’ll sleep with both of you. Please rest well."

Upon hearing this, both men grew nervous. Cui Heng said, "I... I don’t think it’s convenient for me to share a room with you."

Luo Wanqing frowned. "Why?"

Cui Heng forced a smile. "I... I’m afraid of water."

"Huh?" Luo Wanqing didn’t understand. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"It’s nothing."

Cui Heng spoke cryptically, turning his head and hugging Xingling’s sword as if making a great sacrifice. "Forget it. I’ll sleep by the window."

Luo Wanqing and Zhang Yiran exchanged a glance but didn’t press further. They were used to letting Cui Heng’s oddities slide.

The three fell silent as they returned to the inn. Cui Heng went to wash up first while Luo Wanqing and Zhang Yiran stood guard at the door.

After standing there for a while, Zhang Yiran suddenly laughed. Luo Wanqing looked up curiously and asked, "What’s so funny, Minister Zhang?"

"I was thinking," Zhang Yiran mused, "you’ve learned to speak in official language too."

This puzzled Luo Wanqing. "Why wouldn’t I be able to speak in official language?"

"When I first met you, you were still a bandit." As Zhang Yiran mentioned this, Luo Wanqing was taken aback.

Recalling their first meeting, when she knew nothing, she couldn’t help but laugh softly.

"How did you learn all this today?" Zhang Yiran wondered. "When I first joined the Censorate, it took me half a year to learn, and I still wasn’t very good at it."

"Maybe I’m just naturally suited for it." Luo Wanqing reflected. "You’re straightforward, so it’s normal that you couldn’t learn it. I don’t have many principles. As long as it achieves my goal, I’ll do anything. To seek revenge, I worked hard to enter the Supervision Division, compete for the position of fifth-grade Si Shi, and come to Jiangnan. I’ve said these words countless times when handling cases related to the East Palace."

"What grudge do you have?"

Everyone in the East Capital had heard about how she dealt with the East Palace’s troubles, so Zhang Yiran was curious about her sudden mention of a “grudge.”

Luo Wanqing smiled but didn’t elaborate.

Cui Heng finished his bath and opened the door, drying his hair. "Order some water. I’m done."

After they each took turns bathing, they sat in the inn, packing their luggage. They only brought necessary documents, tokens, money, and medicine, wearing soft armor and keeping important items on their person.

This equipment was quite uncomfortable, prompting Cui Heng to ask, "Do we really need to be this cautious?"

"Everyone thinks Xingling is the strongest among us four. If they’re not going to kill us now, when will they?"

Luo Wanqing equipped Qianji and handed it to Zhang Yiran, teaching him step-by-step. "Press here, and it will shoot out a rain of pear blossom needles. But you can only use it once, so save it for saving your life."

Watching Luo Wanqing teach Zhang Yiran, Cui Heng couldn’t help but ask, "Hey, Supervisor Liu, do you have a Shadow Agent?"

"Yes."

Luo Wanqing turned around, holding Zhang Yiran’s hand and looking puzzled. "Why?"

"Where is he?" Cui Heng stared at Luo Wanqing’s hand on Zhang Yiran’s, asking, "Is it okay with your Shadow Agent that you’re teaching Minister Zhang how to use Qianji hand-in-hand?"

At this, Luo Wanqing raised her guard, asking, "How do you know it’s called Qianji?"

"I do," Cui Heng nodded without hiding it. "Every member of the Supervision Division has one. Zhuque often boasts about it to me."

Luo Wanqing listened and released Zhang Yiran's hand, but she still had some doubts, and couldn't help saying, "I want to teach Lord Zhang. Why doesn't my Shadow Envoy agree?"

This question stumped Cui Heng. After a long pause, he only nodded and said, "Alright then, as long as you're happy."

Hearing Cui Heng's words, Luo Wanqing sensed something. She didn't say anything, only saying, "Let's sleep."

The three of them were in one room, each finding a place to sleep.

Zhang Yiran slept on the bed, while Luo Wanqing sat at the table, closing her eyes for a short rest. Cui Heng chose to sit on the window in the study, his arms crossed, one leg propped up on the eaves, as if trying to prove something.

After sleeping for a while, Luo Wanqing heard the sound of wings flapping. She quickly opened her eyes and went to the window, where she saw Chuisi perched nearby.

Chuisi had a string of pale pink jade beads tied to its foot, with a note attached.

Luo Wanqing couldn't help but smile, stroking the bracelet for a moment. This time, she didn't refuse it, putting it on her wrist before saying to Chuisi, "Wait for me a moment."

With that, she took the note and walked into the study.

These days, they had been communicating through Chuisi. It wasn't easy for Chuisi to come, so when Luo Wanqing read the words on the paper, she thought it was just another casual chat from Cui Heng. But when she opened it, she found the sentence: "I'm near Yangzhou and will arrive soon."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback, and when she realized what it meant, she couldn't help but be overjoyed.

She hadn't expected Cui Heng to arrive so quickly. They had only been in Yangzhou for less than a day, yet Cui Heng had already caught up with them.

She held the paper, a smile on her face. Her emotions surged within her, wanting to tell him something but unsure how to begin. After much hesitation, she only wrote about their arrival in Yangzhou.

She wrote in great detail, many words flowing onto the page, making Chuisi impatient.

When she finished writing, Luo Wanqing handed it to Chuisi, who gave her a look. Luo Wanqing couldn't help but laugh.

After sending Chuisi away, Cui Heng suddenly spoke up, "For Cui Guanlan?"

Luo Wanqing was startled and turned around to look at him. "You know him?"

"Yes, I do."

Cui Heng didn't elaborate further, leaving Luo Wanqing unsure what else to ask. She simply nodded and said, "Oh."

She planned to return to the chair for a nap, but then she heard Cui Heng say, "Aren't you going to ask me about him?"

"There's no need," Luo Wanqing replied, feeling somewhat nervous. "If he wants to tell me, I'll naturally know. If he doesn't, there's no need for me to pry."

"Indeed," Cui Heng chuckled. "It seems Envoy Liu doesn't plan to have a future with him."

Luo Wanqing fell silent, her heart suddenly in turmoil. She feigned calmness and said, "Lord Cui, please choose your words carefully."

"Envoy Liu, the hardest thing to control is the human heart," Cui Heng turned to gaze out the window at the gloomy sky. "He told us from a young age that he's a cold and unfeeling person. But in fact, among all of us, he's always been the one who holds on the tightest and finds it hardest to let go."

"Why are you telling me this?"

Luo Wanqing didn't understand. Cui Heng paused for a moment before letting out a light laugh. "Yes, why am I telling you this?"

"Sleep," Cui Heng closed his eyes. "There will be rain tonight. Envoy, try to get some rest."

Luo Wanqing nodded and started to walk away, but after just a few steps, she heard footsteps approaching from a distance.

The sound was light and swift, like a cat. It wasn't just one person; a group was rapidly heading in their direction.

Luo Wanqing's heart sank, and without hesitation, before Cui Heng could react, she pulled him down from the window, carrying him into the inner room, and threw him onto the bed. Then, she jumped onto the bed herself.

Zhang Yiran was still asleep. Feeling the bed shake, he was immediately covered by a calloused hand over his mouth and nose.

Zhang Yiran's eyes snapped open, and Luo Wanqing quickly pressed down to silence his startled cry.

"Someone's here."

Luo Wanqing whispered, and Zhang Yiran understood, breathing rapidly but not daring to make a sound.

Luo Wanqing used a knife to cut the ropes, lowered the bed curtains, and the three of them squeezed onto the bed together. Cui Heng, in fear, hugged Xingling's sword and huddled in a corner.

Luo Wanqing took out an antidote from her sleeve, and the three of them quickly took it before holding their breaths, lying quietly on the bed.

In no time, they heard several people entering the room. Luo Wanqing counted the number of intruders based on the sounds, closely watching outside the bed curtains, silently unsheathing her blade with one hand.

Cui Heng hugged Xingling's sword and huddled together with Zhang Yiran, seeking some sense of security.

The three of them tensely listened as the footsteps approached the inner room. Luo Wanqing confirmed the number of assailants and formulated an escape plan in her mind.

She wasn't worried about herself, but she had two civil officials with her.

The memory of being kicked into the enemy's encirclement when protecting Zhang Yiran last time left a deep impression on her. She couldn't trust any of these civil officials.

She gripped the handle of her blade tightly. The moment the assailant lifted the curtain, Luo Wanqing kicked outward fiercely, using the attacker as a sandbag to knock several others aside. She leaped out, grabbed the only obstacle – an assassin rushing towards the door – and slit his throat, shouting, "Run!"

Cui Heng and Zhang Yiran jumped off the bed and rushed out following Luo Wanqing's instructions.

But just as they exited the door, arrows rained down. Luo Wanqing reacted swiftly, kicking the door down and spinning it like a shield in her hands, blocking the arrows while kicking aside the pursuing assassin. She instructed, "Carry the door downstairs!"

As she said this, she engaged in battle with the incoming assassins.

Cui Heng and Zhang Yiran hid behind the door, using it as a shield, and ran down the stairs in perfect sync.

Luo Wanqing kept watch, alternately clearing the path ahead and fighting off pursuers from behind, protecting the door as they moved quickly.

Arrows came wave after wave. Cui Heng and Zhang Yiran crouched behind the door filled with arrows, sprinting. Just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, an arrow pierced through the door, causing it to explode. Cui Heng instinctively sucked in a breath, relieved to see the arrow pass through his abdomen harmlessly. He couldn't help exclaiming, "Envoy, the door is broken!"

As soon as he said this, more arrows came. Luo Wanqing grabbed a corpse and spun it around. Cui Heng and Zhang Yiran immediately hid behind her. Once the arrows passed, Luo Wanqing said, "Run!"

With that, Luo Wanqing slashed a path forward. The two men immediately picked up shields from the ground, standing side by side to protect each other, and followed Luo Wanqing as they charged ahead.

Luo Wanqing wielded her blade with great force and range, the two of them holding their shields like clams, the trio cooperating flawlessly as they charged towards the gate.

They only saw a group of soldiers holding crossbows aimed at the gate as soon as they caught sight of it.

Xie Heng and Zhang Yiran sucked in a cold breath, subconsciously wanting to retreat.

The crossbows could shoot several rounds in an instant; their shoddy shields couldn't possibly withstand a few volleys of crossbow bolts.

However, before they could even open their mouths, they saw Luo Wanqing already charging forward with her blade raised.

The two exchanged a glance, not having time to think further, and could only put their shields in front of them, closing their eyes and blindly following Luo Wanqing as she dashed ahead!

After just a few steps, they felt the powerful arrows slamming against their shields with a series of metallic thuds. Their hands were numbed by the impact, but they didn't dare to think about it too much, shouting to encourage themselves as they burst through the gate and across the courtyard, directly crashing into the wall.

The two of them experienced intense pain and quickly retreated.

Although Zhang Yiran was in pain, he maintained some presence of mind, enduring the pain and turning around to see the courtyard filled with members of the Supervision Division.

Luo Wanqing stood on the shoulder of a kneeling archer, watching the two men holding shields against the wall alongside Qin Huaiyu and the others.

His movements froze as he became fully aware, straightening his body involuntarily.

Cui Heng's head had collided with the wall, and he was still sucking in cold breaths from the pain. Zhang Yiran couldn't help but hold his shield in one hand while pulling on Cui Heng's sleeve with the other, looking at the Si Shi of the Supervision Division who were staring at them and reminding him in a low voice, "Minister Cui."

Cui Heng cursed under his breath, muttering with his hand over his head, "You scared me to death. I thought I was done for. What kind of wall is this? Why does it hurt so much..."

"Minister Cui."

"I'm never coming back to Jiangnan again. No matter how beautiful the Star Spirit Si Shi is, it's not worth it. That bastard Xie Heng..."

"Minister Cui."

"I'm such a handsome and dashing man..."

"Minister Cui!"

Zhang Yiran finally lost his patience, pulling Cui Heng to stand straight beside him. He looked seriously at the people from the Supervision Division and reminded them in a very low voice, "Don't embarrass East Capital!"

Cui Heng was stunned, raising his head blankly and looking at the men and women in front of him. After a long pause, he feigned composure, straightened his body, and secretly discarded his shield, forcing a strained yet confident smile.

Seeing this, Qin Huaiyu turned away, suppressing a laugh, coughing lightly and looking at Luo Wanqing. She said earnestly, "Si Shi Liu, we've intercepted everyone in the inn. Shall we interrogate them tonight?"

"Let's get some sleep at the Supervision Division first, then interrogate them tomorrow."

Luo Wanqing nodded, then glanced at the two men by the wall and waved them over. "Ministers, follow me. It's safer."

In Yang Zhou, she didn't even trust the Supervision Division. She dared not entrust these two civil officials to anyone except herself and the Star Spirit.

Zhang Yiran and Cui Heng shared the same thoughts. Hearing her call, they immediately followed her.

After that incident, they had developed extremely high confidence in Luo Wanqing's combat abilities.

Luo Wanqing gave them a smile, not saying anything more. She turned around, called Qin Huaiyu over to bind the captives, and brought them straight back to the Supervision Division.

These were ordinary killers, far inferior to those raised by the noble families of East Capital. Luo Wanqing had Qin Huaiyu bind them and rest for the night. The next day, after a full day of interrogation, they found out who had ordered the attack.

During dinner, Luo Wanqing sat at the dining table, holding the confession in her hand and remaining silent as she looked at the name Sun Cui.

Zhang Yiran and Cui Heng had spent the entire day examining fake accounts and walked into the dining hall for dinner. As soon as they entered, they saw Luo Wanqing staring at a piece of paper without speaking. Curious, they approached, and Zhang Yiran asked, "What is Xiniang looking at?"

"The confession obtained last night."

Luo Wanqing handed the paper to Zhang Yiran, thinking aloud, "They only confessed to Sun Cui."

"What do you mean, 'only Sun Cui'?"

Cui Heng sat down in confusion, pouring himself some tea.

Luo Wanqing explained, "Actually, when I mentioned the Luo family case to them yesterday, I was prepared for the possibility of an assassination attempt. Of course, this was my worst-case scenario. I didn't expect them to be so aggressive. I just thought they would do something to us. If I could catch them red-handed, I could make them stop and temporarily take control of Yang Zhou. This way, our investigations would become much easier."

At least they could obtain genuine account books and records of what happened to the assets seized from the Luo Residence.

"It's a straightforward approach."

Cui Heng nodded, looking at Luo Wanqing. "And then?"

"Yesterday, I contacted the local Supervision Division in advance and had them secretly follow us. When they separated Xing Ling last night, I guessed they would make a move. Once they did, the Supervision Division arrived and captured all the killers last night. I originally thought they would confess both Zhou Chun and Sun Cui, but now they've only confessed to Sun Cui, leaving Zhou Chun out."

"So what's the problem?"

Cui Heng smiled, slowly saying, "There's no need to try to solve everything at once. We'll arrest Sun Cui and make her confess about Zhou Chun."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing realized her mistake—she had been too hasty.

She calmed herself and nodded. "You're right. Let's do it that way."

With a solution in mind, Luo Wanqing quickly ate a few bites with her chopsticks and got up to call Qin Huaiyu to gather some people. At the same time, she sent someone to the county office to have Zhou Chun summon Sun Cui and other local officials to wait there.

Qin Huaiyu soon led a few Si Shi, and Cui Heng and Zhang Yiran also hurried out, accompanying Luo Wanqing to the county office.

It had rained that night, and there weren't many people at the county office at this hour. However, due to Luo Wanqing's prior notification, the place was brightly lit.

Luo Wanqing led the group into the main hall of the county office, braving the rain. As soon as they entered, the attendants closed the umbrellas, and Zhou Chun hurried over, smiling apologetically. "Minister Cui, Minister Zhang, Si Shi Liu."

"Minister Zhou."

The three of them shook off the rainwater from their bodies and bowed to Zhou Chun.

Zhou Chun led them to their seats and asked curiously, "Why did you ask us to come here so late, Si Shi Liu?"

"It's like this."

Luo Wanqing glanced at the people in the hall, her gaze landing on Sun Cui's face as she said gently, "Last night, we were attacked at the inn and captured a group of killers. According to their confessions, the person who ordered last night's assassination—"

Luo Wanqing's gaze fell onto Zhou Chun's face, and his expression changed slightly. "Inspector Liu, why are you looking at me?"

"Just looking, don't be nervous, Director Zhou."

With that, Luo Wanqing shifted her gaze to Sun Cui, who was standing stiffly beside her, and took out a signet ring. "Director Sun, do you recognize this?"

Sun Cui looked at the signet ring she had used to verify her identity with the killers and forced a smile. "What is this?"

"Director Sun," Luo Wanqing walked to Sun Cui's side, placed the signet ring on the table, and said gently, "The killers said that this is the item used to prove your identity during each communication. You really don't recognize it?"

"Nonsense!"

Sun Cui suddenly stood up, and all the officials around looked over. Sun Cui said nervously, "Inspector Liu, you can't believe one-sided words. Bring them over and let me interrogate them. I will definitely get to the bottom of it."

"Director Sun doesn't believe in the interrogation methods of the Supervision Division."

Luo Wanqing smiled upon hearing this, held the signet ring, and returned to her seat.

Those present understood the situation after hearing this.

When it came to interrogation, who in the world could surpass the Supervision Division?

The officials present had heard some rumors and did not dare to speak. Luo Wanqing turned to look at Zhou Chun and said with a smile, "Director Zhou, yesterday you said that suspects should be detained. I also believe that Director Sun must be innocent. However, since there has been an accusation, Director Sun is now the most likely suspect for orchestrating the assassination of the inspectors. There shouldn't be any problem with the Supervision Division detaining Director Sun, right?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chun didn't know how to respond.

Yesterday, he had used this reason to take away Xing Ling. Today, Luo Wanqing similarly requested to detain Sun Cui, and he had no reason to refuse.

However, he knew very well that Sun Cui would not withstand the torture once she entered the Supervision Division and would soon implicate him.

He secretly resented Sun Cui for her incompetence but couldn't help but protect her.

After holding back for a while, he laughed and said with difficulty, "That's the logic, but Director Sun is the prison official. The prison affairs are complicated and extremely important. If she goes to jail, the prison might fall into chaos."

"No problem," Luo Wanqing said with a smile. "If we can't find someone in the prison to replace Director Sun, our people from the Supervision Division are very skilled in managing prisoners. Letting the Supervision Division find an inspector to replace Director Sun isn't impossible."

"Liu Xiniang."

Upon hearing this, Sun Cui immediately changed her expression. "Who do you think you are? You're an inspector of the Supervision Division, not the emperor of Yangzhou. Can you just replace the prison official as you wish?!"

"I can't replace you," Luo Wanqing raised her eyes and said calmly, "but you attempted to assassinate the inspectors of East Capital. Calling you a suspect is already giving you face. Don't refuse a polite offer and choose a harsh one."

"Face?" Sun Cui sneered. "You randomly accuse someone and want to arrest me. You still dare to mention face? Have you ever given face to Yangzhou? Today, I'll tell you that I have nothing to do with those killers. I won't go to the Supervision Division, and you can forget about framing me!"

After saying this, Sun Cui turned around and left. However, just as she stepped out of the door, two inspectors from the Supervision Division blocked her path.

Once the people from the Supervision Division made a move, the soldiers immediately placed their hands on their sword hilts. Luo Wanqing sat high above, and Zhou Chun sat opposite her. Everyone present became tense. Sun Cui turned around and looked at Luo Wanqing coldly. "What do you mean?"

"Director Zhou," Luo Wanqing calmly looked at Zhou Chun across from her and asked softly amidst the pitter-patter of rain, "Do you have control over Yangzhou?"

"Inspector Liu," Zhou Chun said with a bitter smile, "Why do you say that?"

"Director Zhou," Luo Wanqing smiled. "Protecting someone is also a crime. I don't think Director Zhou wants to get involved in the case of the assassination of the imperial inspectors, right?"

"Nobody wants to get involved in such a case," Zhou Chun picked up a cup of tea and said slowly, "However, I just feel that the evidence is insufficient based on a few testimonies."

"The testimonies aren't enough; what about this signet ring? I've already checked, and this signet ring does indeed belong to Director Sun."

"A single signet ring isn't enough to be credible."

"Are you going to protect her no matter what, Director Zhou?"

"Inspector Liu, what are you implying?" Zhou Chun raised his voice. "What kind of person do you think I am? Is this how the Supervision Division makes baseless accusations and frames people?!"

Luo Wanqing chuckled upon hearing this.

She glanced at the officials observing and realized that everyone was watching her attitude today.

After today, who would be in charge of Yangzhou: Zhou Chun or the Supervision Division? It all depended on tonight.

Without hesitation, Luo Wanqing raised her hand and gave a cold order, "Arrest her!"

Zhou Chun slammed the table. "Who dares?!"

In an instant, the inspectors from the Supervision Division and the soldiers faced off, and the entire county office became tense.

At that moment, in the night rain, a carriage slowly drove down an alley.

Inside the carriage, the young master lay slanted on the couch. He wore a wide-sleeved blue robe with a red rope and jade pendant around his waist. His face was covered with a gilded mask, and he was casually flipping through documents.

"Once we arrive, I'll leave. Being together with you makes me uncomfortable."

Zhu Que's voice came from outside. Cui Heng said nonchalantly, "Why are you so nervous?"

"With your status, I respect you too much, and if I expose you, you'll blame me." Zhu Que muttered, "If I don't show respect, you'll be unhappy and blame me. My monthly salary isn't that high, and if it gets deducted, it won't be enough."

Cui Heng flipped through the documents and said indifferently, "Buy fewer pretty shoes, and it'll be enough."

"I don't buy that many..."

Before Zhu Que could finish speaking, a black-clad figure rushed over from ahead. After a few agile leaps, they landed beside the carriage and whispered, "Young Master, Inspector Liu is having a conflict with the government officials at the county office with the people from the Supervision Division. Zhou Chun is leading the soldiers and confronting Inspector Liu."

Cui Heng paused, recalling the content of the letter he received yesterday.

After pondering for a moment, he sighed lightly.

He raised his hand to remove the mask and took off the sachet, then went to change into Xie Heng's clothes.

"Zhuque," his voice was a few shades colder, "follow me these past few days."

Author has something to say:

"Side Story · 1"

Luo Wanqing: "In order to protect you all, we three will sleep in one bed."

Zhang Yiran: "Although I think it's not quite proper, still, what matters most is the mission at hand."

Cui Heng: "No, I won't do it."

Luo Wanqing: "Why?"

Cui Heng: "Sleeping in the same bed as you, do you want me to be trampled by Xie Heng and drowned in the lake?!"

"Side Story · 2"

Summary of today: Luo Wanqing, with her two weaknesses, fought a great battle

Cui Heng & Zhang Yiran: "The two of us are strong too, you know?"