Chapter 146

Chapter 146

◎Welcoming the Luo Clan into the Imperial Tomb◎

Ji Qing's firm response was somewhat unexpected to Luo Wanqing.

She had initially thought that someone like Ji Qing could be intimidated and persuaded by explaining the pros and cons. However, despite his lack of courage, he remained resolute.

He firmly believed that the Zheng family was a powerful entity and did not trust Luo Wanqing's words at all.

Luo Wanqing felt a headache coming on but knew that further persuasion would be futile.

She turned around and instructed someone nearby to keep an eye on him before leaving to inform Qin Huaiyu at the White Tiger Department to retrieve Ji Qing's identity information.

As soon as she stepped out, a servant approached respectfully and said, "Si Shi Liu."

Luo Wanqing turned her head and saw the servant holding a small box, which they offered, saying, "A moment ago, Third Highness sent this to you."

Luo Wanqing frowned in confusion as she cautiously examined the box, ensuring there were no hidden poisons or weapons, before opening it. Inside, she found a sachet, a small blue-and-white porcelain box, and a token, with a peach blossom note placed atop, bearing Li Guiyu's handwriting:

"Having heard that Xiniang will be promoted to one of the Four Envoys, I have specially prepared these gifts for celebration. Yesterday, during the early morning court session, I encountered Director Xie. His fragrance is too easily absorbed by others. To avoid any gossip about Xiniang and also to prevent the lingering spirit of Envoy Cui Ying from worrying, I sought out a fragrance-repelling pearl yesterday. I hope Xiniang will accept it with a smile."

Upon reading this, Luo Wanqing felt a surge of irritation. She crumpled the note and closed the box, handing it back coldly, "Return it to him. Don't accept anything from Third Highness in the future."

With that, Luo Wanqing turned and left, quickly entering another courtyard. When she was alone, she paused and took out the peach blossom note again, reading the line, "Yesterday, during the early morning court session, I encountered Director Xie. The fragrance is too easily absorbed by others, and the lingering spirit of Envoy Cui Ying worries..."

Seeing this, she couldn't help but feel tense.

Li Guiyu was always perceptive. Yesterday, when they met on the mountain, he focused on Xie Heng during the court session. It might have been a coincidence, but she suspected it was intentional.

He must have started doubting the relationship between Xie Heng and herself, and possibly even Xie Heng's true identity.

She didn't want to scare herself, but she had to be cautious.

If Li Guiyu realized that Cui Heng was Xie Heng, he wouldn't let it go. Moreover, he would realize that Xie Heng had opened the Xuantian Box, and she didn't know how he would react.

Luo Wanqing naturally felt wary of Li Guiyu's actions.

After all, in her past life...

Xie Heng died at his hands.

Thinking about this, Luo Wanqing shuddered.

The pain she felt upon learning of her father's death and hearing about Cui Heng's death flooded back, enveloping her like a nightmare.

She took a deep breath, calmed down, and carefully analyzed the possibility of Li Guiyu discovering that Xie Heng was Cui Heng.

Cui Heng's identity was one Xie Heng had used in the Supervision Division before, so when she investigated, she found no discrepancies. There were records from entering the division until now, including missions with ordinary Si Shi members. Li Guiyu was unlikely to uncover anything.

Li Guiyu might notice clues about her relationship with Xie Heng, but if he believed Cui Heng was dead, he wouldn't think she would move on so quickly.

His certainty that Cui Heng was dead depended largely on his judgment of her emotions.

After Cui Heng's "death," she met Li Guiyu twice: once on Liufeng Island, where she genuinely believed Cui Heng was dead, and Li Guiyu likely had little doubt due to her reaction.

Last night's encounter was too brief for Li Guiyu to discern much. He might still test her.

Even the sachet might be a test.

Xie Heng and Li Guiyu traveled together on Liufeng Island, and Li Guiyu should have known that Cui Heng's temperament in matters of the heart was similar to hers. If she carried the scent of others, Cui Heng would be displeased. If Cui Heng were truly gone, she would ensure she avoided the same scent to comfort his spirit.

Understanding Li Guiyu's intentions, Luo Wanqing went to the pharmacy to find some herbs to prevent Xie Heng's fragrance from affecting her.

After gathering the necessary herbs, she headed to the White Tiger Department to request Ji Qing's files and then went upstairs to find Bai Li, assisting her with official duties.

Xie Heng had already arranged for Bai Li to guide her through these tasks, making the process familiar. By evening, Luo Wanqing returned to her room on the mountain. As she approached the door, she saw Xie Heng sitting there.

He wore a dark blue robe with wide sleeves, tied with a red cord at the waist, and his hair was half-tied with a matching ribbon. Leaning against the steps, he tossed sunflower seeds to Zhuisi and Lian Qing.

In the past, he always waited for her at the door wearing a mask, but now without the mask, she could see the smile on his usually stern face. If not for his usual demeanor, he looked like an ordinary young master.

Hearing Luo Wanqing return, Xie Heng looked up and smiled, "Back?"

"Yes."

Luo Wanqing responded and sat down next to him, watching him toss seeds into the air, which Zhuisi and Lian Qing chased.

Lian Qing, being smaller, always lost to Zhuisi. Seeing this, Luo Wanqing felt sorry for her and reached for the seeds, "Lian Qing can't compete with Zhuisi; we need to give her some separately..."

"No."

Xie Heng held her hand and explained, "It has gotten too fat to fly recently. I'm training it."

Luo Wanqing looked over and noticed that Lian Qing had indeed gained weight.

Xie Heng released her hand and continued tossing seeds, saying, "No matter how small it is, it's meant to find people. Feeding it like this makes it unable to fly a mile. How can it find anyone?"

Seeing his point, Luo Wanqing didn't interfere and watched Lian Qing jump around, failing to catch a single seed, chirping incessantly. She felt quite distressed.

Noticing her concern, Xie Heng glanced at her and handed a seed directly to Lian Qing, turning to her, "Did you meet Ji Qing today?"

"Yes."

"How did it go?"

"He refused to talk."

Hearing this, Xie Heng wasn't surprised: "The noble families have dominated for years. Even with the current prominence of the virtuous officials in East Capital, they still fear and yearn for power. How much more so for an ordinary citizen?"

Speaking of which, Xie Heng clapped his hands, straightened up, and turned to look at her: "If he refuses to speak, what do you plan to do?"

"First, we'll test him."

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment: "Know yourself and know your enemy. Nurture the heart with the heart. If it truly comes down to it..."

Luo Wanqing did not finish her sentence, but Xie Heng understood her meaning.

Ji Qing's family was still in the Supervision Division.

She was not someone who would resort to any means necessary; whenever there was a choice, she always preferred the better path.

However, she was never blindly kind.

Xie Heng pondered for a bit and then said: "The palace banquet is tomorrow. To be safe, if he doesn't testify, put your memorial on hold."

As he spoke, Xie Heng looked at her and comforted her: "There will be other opportunities."

Luo Wanqing acknowledged this, thinking about Ji Qing's silence.

Seeing her expression, Xie Heng hesitated for a moment before placing his hand on Luo Wanqing's shoulder and smiling: "Si Shi, don't worry. If it really comes to that, I'll accompany you to beat the Drum of Grievances and find a just judge."

Luo Wanqing was amused by his words and realized that dwelling on these matters was futile. She calculated the time and began to usher him out: "Alright, it's getting late. Go to sleep."

Xie Heng paused upon hearing this and hesitated: "Xiniang, are you letting me go now?"

"What else?"

Thinking of the morning's events, Luo Wanqing pushed him away slightly: "Go get some proper sleep."

Hearing this, Xie Heng knew that Luo Wanqing did not intend to keep him tonight. He sighed, dusted off his sleeves, and reluctantly let go: "Lingshu's sleeping posture isn't elegant. I must have disturbed Si Shi recently, making you dislike it."

Luo Wanqing glanced at him, hinting: "It's not about the sleeping posture."

Xie Heng raised an eyebrow, surprised that Luo Wanqing responded.

He thought for a moment, chuckled lightly, and said: "Well, since Xiniang has no interest tonight, I won't disturb you. All I can do is offer my longing." As he spoke, Xie Heng took down the medicine pouch from Luo Wanqing's waist, replaced it with a sachet from his sleeve, and carefully tied it around her waist, pulling the strings tight. "I hope it can accompany Si Shi day and night," he emphasized with a smile as he tightened the last string, "without parting."

Luo Wanqing sensed there was more to his words. Seeing her expression, Xie Heng knew she had caught on but didn't elaborate further. He smiled, stood up, and swept his sleeves outward: "I'm leaving."

Luo Wanqing remained seated on the steps, caressing the sachet.

This sachet was a new fragrance Xie Heng had recently created, stronger than the one he wore himself.

Looking down at the sachet, Luo Wanqing slowly realized that Xie Heng must have found out about Li Guiyu's gift. After all, it was within the Supervision Division, and it would be strange if Xie Heng hadn't known.

So when Li Guiyu gave her a sachet, Xie Heng immediately sent another one.

Luo Wanqing couldn't help but find this amusing. Holding the sachet, she called out: "Young Master."

Xie Heng stopped, turned, and looked back. Luo Wanqing looked up at him, half-smiling: "I'm worried Young Master might not sleep well."

"How could that be?" Xie Heng replied politely, "Being near Xiniang is when I sleep best."

"Then Young Master should go to sleep first."

Luo Wanqing stood up and walked into the house: "I have some documents from my master. I'll read them and then sleep."

Hearing this, Xie Heng raised an eyebrow and entered the house.

The next morning, Xie Heng returned to his courtyard early and left for court.

Upon waking, Luo Wanqing went to see Ji Qing and watched over him all day. He refused to speak and even tried to fast, but as soon as he entertained the idea, Luo Wanqing cut off his water supply.

By afternoon, Ji Qing couldn't endure it and abandoned the idea of fasting.

That evening, when Luo Wanqing returned home, she saw Xie Heng waiting for her at the door. He quickly glanced at her and noticed the medicine pouch hanging from her clothes but said nothing.

However, that night, Luo Wanqing felt that Xie Heng was less gentle than usual. Although not overly harsh, it was unusual. She couldn't help but ask: "What's wrong?"

"Why aren't you wearing the sachet I gave you?"

Xie Heng pressed against her from behind, biting her ear: "Do you not like it?"

Luo Wanqing gripped the sheets tightly, using her remaining rationality to say: "We shouldn't risk alerting Li Guiyu."

With those words, her consciousness began to fade.

She vaguely heard Xie Heng chuckle softly, seemingly saying: "I wish you would."

But it seemed like a dream; when she woke up the next day, Xie Heng had already gone to court. She had nowhere to ask about it, and by the time Zhuque came to inform her about the evening's palace banquet, she had almost forgotten.

Since Ji Qing did not confess, the palace banquet was merely a formality for Luo Wanqing—just a meeting with the emperor to confirm her promotion.

She had little to prepare, so after a simple bath, she hung the sachet, put on her Si Shi uniform, and waited for the evening escort from the Supervision Division.

Xie Heng spent the entire day in the palace. Later that evening, Luo Wanqing heard the attendant announce that the carriage was waiting for her.

She hurried to the Supervision Division's gate and saw Xie Heng's carriage already parked outside. She approached Zhuque, bowed, and then heard Xie Heng say: "Xiniang, come in."

Stepping into the carriage, she saw Xie Heng sitting inside, dressed in dark robes and a golden crown, more casual than his court attire but still formal compared to everyday wear.

He glanced at Luo Wanqing and frowned: "You're wearing this?"

Luo Wanqing felt uncertain, unsure if her attire was appropriate, but Xie Heng nodded seriously: "It's fine. You look good in anything."

Luo Wanqing was speechless, reminding him in a low voice: "Young Master, be careful with your words."

Xie Heng glanced at her, said nothing more, and turned to review the documents: "The palace banquet usually invites nobles and ministers favored by His Majesty. Si Shi's power is significant, but compared to the aristocracy, it's not on the same level. The Four Envoys are mere attendants. Stay close to me during the banquet and sit behind me."

Luo Wanqing responded to the words, and Xie Heng, after thinking for a moment, looked up at her. "I feel somewhat wronged; I hope you can bear with it."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Young Master is joking; this is as it should be."

Xie Heng shook his head but did not elaborate.

He then spoke to Luo Wanqing about the etiquette of the palace banquet, and they arrived at the palace gate together.

Xie Heng's carriage could enter the imperial city directly, so it continued all the way to the inner palace gate before stopping.

Luo Wanqing stepped forward to open the carriage door for Xie Heng. Zhuque prepared the footrest, and Luo Wanqing got out first, then stood aside, raising her hand to welcome Xie Heng down from the carriage.

Xie Heng's hand lightly rested on her wrist, covered by her sleeve, using her support to step down from the carriage.

Around them, the nobles acted similarly, yet Luo Wanqing felt a gaze fixed on her.

She instinctively looked back and saw Li Guiyu staring in her direction. He only looked away when Xie Heng stepped down and withdrew his hand. Li Guiyu then led Zi Tang and Qing Zhu into the inner palace.

Xie Heng also noticed this but remained silent, waiting for Zhuque to put away the footrest before leading them inside.

Weapons were not allowed in the inner palace, so all weapons were collected at the entrance. After inspection, three palace maids led them towards the inner hall.

The banquet had not yet begun, and groups of people were chatting nearby. Upon seeing Xie Heng enter, everyone glanced over but dared not approach.

Xie Heng led Luo Wanqing and Zhuque to the closest seat on the right side of the emperor, and after he sat down, Luo Wanqing and Zhuque knelt behind him.

They sat alone at a high position, while the ministers gathered below, talking among themselves. Li Guiyu's seat was in the first row of the hall, but he was not on the same level as Xie Heng. He seemed familiar with everyone, greeting and conversing continuously.

From afar, Luo Wanqing observed. Xie Heng glanced back at her but did not speak. Soon, more officials who knew Xie Heng entered and began offering him wine.

As they toasted, they subconsciously looked at Luo Wanqing, understanding why Xie Heng had brought her. Some astute officials even started toasting her, though without much talk, their compliments were clear.

After a round of toasts, Luo Wanqing's face flushed red. Xie Heng glanced at her and said, "Xiniang, you're still young and this is your first time in the palace. Why don't you go see the garden?"

Luo Wanqing understood that Xie Heng was helping her escape and nodded, taking the opportunity to leave.

As she exited, she saw Zhang Yiran entering. Seeing Luo Wanqing, Zhang Yiran was surprised. She winked at him, trying to suggest he wait before entering, knowing that the toasts inside would quickly overwhelm him.

But Zhang Yiran did not understand and simply smiled, nodding as he went in.

Seeing his determination, Luo Wanqing knew she couldn't stop him and shrugged, walking out herself.

However, once outside the hall, the officials, free from their superiors' presence, became bolder. Without Xie Heng beside her, they began to scrutinize her—some curious, some wary, some disdainful...

Since her arrival in East Capital, she had faced constant turmoil, and the court ministers were well aware of her.

Unable to endure such scrutiny, she moved towards a secluded area. Near the inner hall was a waterside pavilion. It was early spring, cold and quiet, with few people around. She walked into the pavilion and sat, enjoying the cold breeze. After a while, she heard a voice: "Today's rice wine is quite warming, but if you let the cold wind continue to blow, you might catch a chill."

Luo Wanqing paused, then pretended not to hear and rose to leave.

Li Guiyu, holding a lantern, stood at the pavilion entrance, calmly saying, "Now Miss won't even say a word to me?"

Luo Wanqing ignored him. Li Guiyu softly added, "I've spoken with them. If Miss is willing to marry me or give up pursuing the old case, everything can be forgiven."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing stopped, turned back with a cold look, and asked, "Who have you spoken with?"

"Zheng Pingsheng, Wang Shenfeng."

Li Guiyu named them, and Luo Wanqing found it strange. "I killed Zheng Biyue, who was your fiancée. How can Zheng Pingsheng forgive me?"

"They care more about what you can do."

"So it seems they fear me."

Luo Wanqing understood, then asked, "But what does marriage have to do with it?"

"It doesn't. But in their eyes, a woman marries and follows her husband. If you marry me, you won't stay in the Supervision Division. Confined to the household, you won't cause trouble." Li Guiyu explained, "Whether you choose to give up or are unable to act, it's the same to them."

But even so, it wasn't enough for Zheng Pingsheng to let her go.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, then asked curiously, "Did you make a deal with them?"

"Yes."

"What deal?"

Luo Wanqing asked instinctively, then realized she shouldn't have.

She had probed too deeply. Li Guiyu's answer would no longer be casual; she didn't want to owe him, so she immediately said, "No need to answer. I'll find out myself."

As she tried to leave, Li Guiyu tightened his grip on the lantern handle and said, somewhat strained, "Does my affection disgust you so much?"

Luo Wanqing paused, thought for a moment, and finally said, "Li Guiyu, I don't use emotions. Between us, there's only family enmity and Cui Heng's life. Nothing else. You don't need to do anything for me or show mercy. Jiang Shaoyan and Luo Wanqing died in Jiangnan; let them go."

"But you are alive."

Li Guiyu struggled to control his breathing. "You are alive; how can I pretend they are dead?"

"You killed my father, harmed my family, and killed Cui Heng. My father killed your master," Luo Wanqing looked back at him. "Why force it?"

"I cannot let go, so I must force it."

Li Guiyu clearly did not wish to elaborate further and finally turned to say, "If Miss does not wish to marry me, then give up pursuing the old case."

"And if I don't give up?"

Li Guiyu was silent for a moment, then laughed softly. "You will."

With that, he turned and left.

Luo Wanqing looked at his back and couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Seeing more people entering the inner hall, she calculated the time and decided it was time to go back. She pondered Li Guiyu's words and walked into the inner hall.

When she returned to the inner hall, she knelt behind Xie Heng and instinctively looked up at Li Guiyu.

She didn't know why, but her mind kept replaying his last words: "You will."

He wasn't one to speak casually; he must have done something.

But what could he have done?

Luo Wanqing thought about it, and her gaze involuntarily followed Li Guiyu.

Xie Heng glanced at her several times, but Luo Wanqing didn't notice.

Taking advantage of Zhuque going out to fetch something, Xie Heng leaned back slightly and whispered, "There are many people below the stage. It might be inconvenient for Xiniang to look around. If you want to see someone, just tell me, and I'll invite them to sit with us. How about that?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing turned her head and looked at Xie Heng, who seemed genuinely concerned. She finally came back to her senses.

"Young Master," Luo Wanqing said somewhat helplessly, "a bowstring that is too tight is prone to break. If you watch someone too closely, they might slip away."

Xie Heng nodded in understanding and said, "I see."

Just as he finished speaking, Li Zong's voice echoed as he entered the hall.

Everyone knelt down like a wave, and Luo Wanqing followed Xie Heng in bowing to welcome Li Zong into the hall.

Li Zong was clearly in an excellent mood today, walking with light steps until he sat down above the hall and then called everyone to rise.

"Today is the Lantern Festival, a joyous occasion. It has been a while since I shared a drink with all of you, so I invited you here. Treat this as a family dinner, and please do not be formal."

Everyone thanked him, and Li Zong spoke some warm-up words from above before officially starting the banquet.

For a moment, the hall was filled with music and lively chatter.

Li Zong picked up a wine cup and turned to Xie Heng, smiling. "Heng'er, you've grown another year older. Come, let me toast to you."

His words were warmer than those of a father to his own son, and Luo Wanqing couldn't help but glance at Xie Heng.

Xie Heng, however, appeared indifferent and simply nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern."

From above, Li Zong chatted with Xie Heng, Wang Shenfeng, Zheng Pingsheng, Xie Guangcheng, and other high officials. Suddenly, the hall darkened.

Everyone was momentarily startled, but then the stage lights flickered on, revealing a young man in a white mask kneeling amidst the candles. Soon, the sound of a zither began, and the young man slowly rose.

People gradually realized it was a performance. Li Zong showed curiosity and nodded. "Interesting."

Xie Heng frowned tightly, and Luo Wanqing, watching the figure on stage, felt uneasy.

The young man danced gracefully, his movements clean and precise, conveying both joy and sorrow. Luo Wanqing quickly recognized the zither tune as "Siqin Cao."

The dance on stage perfectly complemented the story of the piece.

This song celebrated Shun's filial piety.

Shun was born into humble circumstances, with a blind father and a deceased mother, and a stepmother who was unkind. His younger brother, Xiang, was rebellious and unruly. Despite this, Shun remained kind to his family, avoiding conflict when they tried to harm him and helping them when they were in trouble.

The performer's zither skills were exceptional, and though the dancer's technique was ordinary, his emotions were genuine. As he knelt obediently at the end, the zither music faded, and the hall's candles fully lit up.

Li Zong watched silently, and everyone exchanged glances. Then, someone suddenly burst into applause, and the hall erupted in thunderous clapping.

Everyone understood that this was no ordinary performance.

Shun was known for his filial piety and was also a ruler.

The person performing for Li Zong was certainly not an ordinary individual.

Yet, no one could guess who was behind the mask.

Luo Wanqing stared at the stage, her heart racing. Li Zong sipped his tea and slowly said, "Shun was born with noble character, never competing with his brothers and showing great filial piety. If I had such a son, I would be overjoyed."

As he spoke, Li Zong looked up at the stage. "Who performed this dance?"

Upon hearing this, the young man on stage slowly lifted his head and removed his mask.

A handsome, gentle face appeared before everyone. Xie Heng lowered his head to sip his tea, and Luo Wanqing clenched her fists.

Li Zong looked at the performer with a half-smile. "Guiyu, why did you perform this dance today?"

"Father, have you forgotten?" Li Guiyu smiled. "Today is the anniversary of Father and Mother's wedding. Because of Father and Mother, there is your son. As a son and a subject, I should offer this performance to express gratitude for bringing me into this world."

Hearing this, Li Zong was taken aback and instinctively looked at Wang Lianyang, who was equally surprised. Everyone then remembered that Wang Lianyang had taken a concubine into the Eastern Palace on the fifteenth day of the month.

Time had passed, and people had forgotten.

Now, Li Guiyu mentioned it, seemingly setting aside his status as a prince and focusing only on being their child. He looked up at Li Zong, his eyes full of joy. "Father, people often say that a son is the continuation of his father's life. What Father doesn't remember, your son will help you remember. Look, now you recall, don't you?"

Li Zong was silent. When Li Guiyu mentioned the Eastern Palace days, he recalled the turbulent times of his ascension. Wang Lianyang had supported him throughout. Touched by these memories, he looked at Li Guiyu and remembered his childhood self. Li Zong softened.

"Well said," Li Zong nodded. "What the royal family needs is harmony among family members and unity. My son, you have the demeanor of Shun, and I am very pleased. Speaking of which, I wanted to reward you earlier. Today gives me a reason. Tell me, what do you want?"

Li Zong leaned forward, probing. "Guiyu, is there anything you wish to ask from your father?"

Li Guiyu's expression became somber. "What I want is not appropriate to mention today."

Hearing this, Li Zong was puzzled, and everyone else was curious as well.

In truth, everyone knew that as a prince, the most suitable request Li Guiyu could make would be for power, to solidify his position.

Is there anything you find difficult to mention?

"Go ahead and tell me."

Li Zong became interested. "As long as it's reasonable, feel free to speak."

"Your son..." Li Guiyu hesitated, subconsciously glancing at Zheng Pingsheng, then pursed his lips tightly, as if making a great decision, and suddenly knelt down, saying, "Your son wishes to seek a title for his deceased wife, Luo Wanqing!"

Hearing this, Xie Heng abruptly lifted his eyes, and Luo Wanqing also held her breath.

Li Guiyu's head was bowed to the ground, his voice hoarse. "Father, when your son was in Jiangnan, he was betrothed to the Luo family. The Luo family was imprisoned due to a crime, hence the marriage could not be completed. However, the engagement between your son and the Luo family was already set; she is your son's wife. Now, her lonely soul rests in Ling Nan. Your son cannot sleep peacefully day or night. Please, Father, show mercy and allow your son to welcome the Luo family into the王府, bestowing her the posthumous title of王妃, and establish a cenotaph. Once her remains are found, she can be buried with your son in the future. If your son could receive your permission," Li Guiyu raised his head, tears in his eyes, but his expression was resolute, "your son would die without regrets!"

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"Side Scene"

Luo Wanqing: "If I don't speak, do you really think I'm dead?"

Xie Heng: "If I don't speak, do you really think I'm dead."