Chapter 167

Chapter 167

◎Madam of the Supervision Division, Are You Willing?◎

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing exclaimed in surprise, "Why did you put the map of their ancestral tomb in the Xuantian Box?"

However, as soon as she asked, she realized the answer.

Li Zong had been chasing after the Xuantian Box to find the location of the arsenal. He had always believed it was something Cui Qingping sent back from the border.

Now that he opened the box and saw the map, what would he think?

"But... how could Lord Cui put the arsenal in someone else's ancestral tomb?" Luo Wanqing said incredulously, "Who would believe that?"

"Their ancestral tomb is on Egret Mountain," Xie Heng glanced around cautiously, confirmed no one was nearby, and whispered, "This mountain range has complex terrain and abundant mineral resources, making it extremely difficult to investigate. A hundred years ago, it belonged to the Zheng family, but due to some disputes between the two families about ten years ago, they fought, and the Cui family emerged victorious. Eventually, His Majesty intervened and set this mountain as the boundary, forcing the Zheng family to cede all the land beyond it to the Cui family."

Luo Wanqing frowned upon hearing such secrets, "You even took their ancestral tomb?"

Xie Heng nodded, his face cold, "Back then... they insulted and killed a woman from our clan and even dared to boast about it. After the dispute, they hung her body at the city gate, harboring deep resentment. So my uncle deliberately claimed their ancestral tomb and stationed heavy troops there. Since then, the Zheng family can only pay respects at the entrance of the mountain. The Zheng family originally wanted to relocate the tomb, but before they could do so, the Cui family fell into decline and reclaimed the entire Egret Mountain. Of course, I chose this location primarily because Egret Mountain is rich in sulfur."

Xie Heng reminded her, and Luo Wanqing showed a look of surprise. After a moment, she finally confirmed, "That makes sense."

Sulfur is essential for making gunpowder, and using local resources to produce it on-site is practical.

The complex terrain of Eguet Mountain makes it ideal for hiding things. With Cui Qingping's ability to design arrays, it would be difficult for the Zheng family to investigate.

Moreover, when Cui Qingping used personal grievances as an excuse to station heavy troops and prevent the Zheng family from entering, it made Li Zong's suspicions hard to dispel.

If Li Zong believes this, investigating would be difficult.

Ancestral tombs of noble families are heavily guarded, and outsiders are strictly prohibited from snooping around. If Li Zong suddenly proposed visiting the Zheng family's ancestral tomb, it would be too presumptuous.

In Li Zong's eyes, the information about the Xuantian Box came from Zheng Biyue, proving the Zheng family also had intentions regarding the arsenal. If the Zheng family realizes the arsenal might be within their jurisdiction, they could start searching the mountain and find it first, which would be unacceptable for Li Zong.

Therefore, he cannot insist too strongly on investigating the Zheng family's ancestral tomb. However, if he merely suggests it, the Zheng family's arrogance would prevent them from allowing Li Zong easy access.

The most legitimate way, which Li Zong might accept, would be—

"To kill Zheng Pingsheng."

Seeing Luo Wanqing slowly understand, Xie Heng prompted, "Send him back to his ancestors. When entering the tomb, His Majesty will reward artisans to build a grand mausoleum. Then, wouldn't many artisans need to enter?"

Publicly building a mausoleum while secretly searching for the arsenal—legitimate and under the guise of imperial favor. If the Zheng family has no rebellious intentions, they might even be grateful.

"Then..." Luo Wanqing asked, voicing her biggest doubt, "Won't His Majesty's garden be left unfinished? And what if Zheng Pingsheng rebels?"

"A garden is more important than a life, but nothing compares to the arsenal's importance in securing the throne. As for whether the Zheng family rebels," Xie Heng pondered for a moment, looking worriedly at Luo Wanqing, "it depends on how Zheng Pingsheng dies."

After much discussion, the topic returned to her. Luo Wanqing understood why Xie Heng insisted on coming personally—to confirm her situation and see her, but more importantly, to explain the situation clearly.

She looked at Xie Heng seriously, seeing his stern expression as he spoke clearly, "If the Zheng family thinks His Majesty ordered Zheng Pingsheng's death, they won't accept it. But if Zheng Pingsheng dies by someone else's hand, and His Majesty helps them seek justice, why would they rebel?"

This made Luo Wanqing fully understand why Li Zong decided to release her immediately upon seeing the contents of the box.

Seeing her understanding gaze, Xie Heng held her hand firmly and said earnestly, "Now that you and Zheng Pingsheng are known as mortal enemies, if you kill him, no one will suspect His Majesty. To appease the Zheng family's anger, your death would be inevitable, and no one could save you. I know you gambled on him letting you kill Zheng Pingsheng, but Zheng Pingsheng must not die by your hand."

"But if I don't kill him... with experts like Zheng Bikui protecting him, who can His Majesty send?"

Luo Wanqing looked up at him, and Xie Heng's eyes flickered, saying, "His Majesty has many skilled people; that's not your concern."

Seeing Xie Heng's reaction, Luo Wanqing knew the outcome.

Pretending not to think much of it, she nodded, "I understand. But without the secret key to leave the palace, if I refuse to kill Zheng Pingsheng, my only use to His Majesty would be to enter Guangan Mansion to enhance the royal image."

Luo Wanqing looked up, "What does Young Master plan to do?"

"It depends on whether," Xie Heng sat cross-legged, resting his chin on his hand, looking at Luo Wanqing, "the Si Shi wants to enter Guangan Mansion."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback, "How could I possibly want to..."

"Back then, to enter Guangan Mansion, the Si Shi offered herself to Young Master," Xie Heng smiled, reminding her of the night she tried to kill Li Shangwen.

She hadn't thought much of it then, but now, realizing Xie Heng and Cui Heng's identities, she felt embarrassed. She glanced at Xie Heng and said lightly, "You still dare to mention the past?"

Hearing this, Xie Heng realized his mistake, coughed lightly, and quickly tried to change the subject, "Don't worry, I won't let you get involved with Li Guiyu."

Xie Heng tapped his knee, thinking aloud, "I've already arranged things here in the Dungeon, so you won't be troubled. His Majesty just sent people from Si Prefecture to investigate Egret Mountain, and they'll report back in three or four days. Then, I'll see the situation and find a way to rescue you. If that doesn't work, I have a token of immunity..."

"That's not necessary," Luo Wanqing shook her head, advising, "Keep it, Young Master. This hasn't reached that point yet. Let's wait a few days and see the situation after reporting the news about Egret Mountain to His Majesty. If it really comes to that, you can say you'll help His Majesty kill Zheng Pingsheng but need my assistance, and get me out."

Xie Heng paused, and Luo Wanqing looked at him, laughing, "You're not really considering that, are you?"

"We'll see then."

Xie Heng rubbed his fingers, avoiding the topic, "Take care of yourself these days, do nothing, and remember one thing—"

Xie Heng looked at her seriously, "If His Majesty orders you to kill Zheng Pingsheng, don't agree."

Luo Wanqing nodded, "Alright."

"Is there anything else you need to ask?" Xie Heng inquired.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, "Please tell the Xuanwu Envoy to write his story as soon as possible."

Xie Heng frowned slightly, "What exactly are you having him write?"

"The Supervision Division's reputation is terrible," Luo Wanqing smiled, "I want him to write something nice."

Xie Heng chuckled but didn't say much, nodding, "Alright, I'll tell him. Anything else?"

"No more." Luo Wanqing shook her head. "I'll wait for Young Master to come and take me away."

"Alright."

Xie Heng responded, and after their brief exchange, an awkward silence fell between them, separated by the prison bars. For a moment, they were at a loss for words.

At this moment, Luo Wanqing suddenly realized that she and Xie Heng always seemed to be like this—whether it was in Yangzhou Prison, the Supervision Division's Dungeon, or here.

They met each other through these barriers.

After a moment of silent eye contact, Xie Heng suddenly smiled. He reached out his hand, slipping it through the gap in the bars, gently brushing against Luo Wanqing's face to wipe away the smudges of dirt. His movements were slow and deliberate, as if he were looking for an excuse to prolong his stay.

However, there wasn't much dirt on her face, and a single swipe cleared it away.

Once he had wiped her face clean, he could no longer find any reason to linger. Finally, he said, "Well... I'll be going now."

"Alright."

Luo Wanqing spoke softly. Xie Heng nodded and then began coughing loudly and urgently.

Luo Wanqing watched him cough beside her, but even during this short time, he did not let go of her hand.

This seemed to be a pre-arranged signal with the guards. After he coughed for a while, the guards outside opened the door and dragged him out, saying, "Why are you coughing so badly? Quickly, take him to the Medical Department."

As Xie Heng was being dragged away, he looked up at Luo Wanqing in the cell and mouthed silently, "Wait for me."

Luo Wanqing smiled as she watched him leave. Once he was gone, she withdrew her smile and looked down at the ground.

With Xie Heng's visit, she now fully understood the situation.

Li Zong had seen the map marked with the Zheng family's ancestral tomb in the Xuantian Box. Now, if Xie Heng reported that the tomb was heavily guarded and difficult to access, Li Zong would certainly want to kill Zheng Pingsheng.

He had been tolerating Zheng Pingsheng for far too long, especially after the case involving her family. The poisoning of Ji Qing in the palace, publicly obstructing justice, attempting to assassinate Zhang Yiran, and damaging the Drum of Grievances—all these incidents had crossed the emperor's limits. However, Li Zong, always seeking balance over direct confrontation, had endured it all. But this did not mean he didn't want Zheng Pingsheng dead.

Now, with a perfectly reasonable pretext, Li Zong's decision to kill Zheng Pingsheng was inevitable.

And she was the best person for the job.

Xie Heng's position was too high; he was Li Zong's most formidable sword. If Xie Heng killed Zheng Pingsheng, Li Zong would have to eliminate Xie Heng to appease the Zheng family, which would be akin to cutting off his own arm.

Moreover, how could Xie Heng, with his intricate ties to Li Zong, compare to her, an orphan driven solely by revenge?

If she agreed to do the killing, Li Zong wouldn't let Xie Heng handle it. This was likely why Xie Heng insisted on stopping her.

But what Xie Heng hadn't anticipated was that Li Zong was even more aggressive than he imagined. Li Zong planned to release her without waiting for Xie Heng's report on the Zheng family. This also indicated that Li Zong trusted the information in the Xuantian Box more, or perhaps his desire to kill Zheng Pingsheng was stronger than anyone had thought.

So strong that even Xie Heng hadn't noticed how decisive and ruthless Li Zong truly was.

Luo Wanqing even wondered if, without the Xuantian Box, Li Zong might still have "accidentally" released her, allowing her to kill Zheng Pingsheng.

Was it really Xie Heng who killed Zheng Pingsheng in the past?

Luo Wanqing briefly entertained this doubt but quickly realized that dwelling on the past was pointless. Regardless of whether Xie Heng did it in the past, she now knew that he intended to act.

To kill Zheng Pingsheng, seize power from the Zheng family, march into Beirong, and bring back Cui Zixiu.

Xie Heng must have prepared everything, just like a game she played as a child, stacking blocks one by one, waiting for the final push to make them all fall.

Zheng Pingsheng was the first domino, and now, Xie Heng was about to make the move.

But she was here—

Luo Wanqing closed her eyes and smiled softly. How could she let him do it?

Having confirmed all the information, Luo Wanqing felt a sense of calm. She sat cross-legged and began meditating.

On the other side, Li Zong received news from Yang Chun and tapped the chessboard, saying, "She refuses to leave?"

"Yes," Yang Chun replied nervously. "She said that she came to Your Majesty because she wanted a resolution. Without Your Majesty's permission, she won't act against the law."

"The Supervision Division has taught her well," Li Zong remarked with a smile, not suspecting anything.

After all, if she only wanted to kill Zheng Pingsheng, she could have planned an assassination instead of going through the trouble of filing a complaint.

"So, Your Majesty... what will you do?"

Seeing that Li Zong was not angry, Yang Chun relaxed a bit. Li Zong, nonchalantly, said, "Then we'll wait for the news from Egret Mountain. I'll meet her personally."

Four days passed.

In the dungeon, there was no daylight, and Luo Wanqing could only count the days by her senses.

In such darkness, even without physical torture, one's spirit slowly fades. When Luo Wanqing saw Li Zong again, she was leaning against the bars, resting her eyes.

Sounds approached, and Luo Wanqing opened her eyes to see Li Zong, dressed in his dragon-patterned yellow robe, walking in with Yang Chun.

Days of darkness made even a small light glaringly bright. She squinted, watching Li Zong approach until he stood before her. After a moment, she slowly recognized him.

"Don't you recognize Me anymore?"

Li Zong smiled, and Luo Wanqing widened her eyes, quickly bowing, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"How have you been these past few days?"

Li Zong glanced around and slowly said, "Ah, this place is hard on you. I had no choice."

Saying this, Li Zong half-squatted down, looking at Luo Wanqing kneeling on the ground, and whispered, "Let Me be frank with you. You accused the Zheng family, and they won't let you go. The palace is full of spies and assassins. To ensure your safety, I had to keep you here alone."

"Thank you for protecting me, Your Majesty," Luo Wanqing responded, seeming to understand something. She looked up at Li Zong and cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, how can you allow the Zheng family to continue their arrogance?"

"Every country has its laws, and of course, I do not wish for them to act so recklessly," Li Zong sighed, seemingly helpless. "But the Zheng family is powerful, and I have no way to deal with them. Just like your family's case, I know the truth in my heart, but everyone in the court is their people. If I were to punish him, the Zheng family would surely accuse me of being unfair, and I cannot silence the public."

Luo Wanqing listened, her eyes showing a hint of inquiry: "Your Majesty worries about the Zheng family, so what can this humble woman do for Your Majesty?"

"Not for me, but for you," Li Zong smiled, seeing that she had understood. "You must seek justice for your family. They died, and the one who started it all—should they live? Guiyu is my child; you cannot touch him, but what about the others?"

The words were already blunt, and Luo Wanqing did not hide her intentions, speaking directly: "Does Your Majesty want me to kill Zheng Pingsheng?"

"You have excellent martial arts," Li Zong raised his hand, and Yang Chun immediately handed over the 'Xieling' sword he was holding. Li Zong passed the sword into the cell, smiling. "If you do not avenge your father, wouldn't it be a waste?"

"Your Majesty," Luo Wanqing said without taking the sword, "does Your Majesty know why I insisted on bringing this to the court?"

"To seek fairness?" Li Zong guessed. "I already know you were wronged. Now, I am allowing you to kill, which is already fair."

"But if I kill someone, can I still live?" Luo Wanqing asked, and Li Zong paused.

Luo Wanqing spoke calmly: "If using my life to seek justice is not called justice, it is revenge."

Li Zong heard this and thought for a moment, his expression turning cold: "A few days ago, you didn't say it that way."

"A few days ago," Luo Wanqing glanced at the sword Li Zong offered, "Your Majesty didn't want to kill Zheng Pingsheng either."

The two fell silent, staring at each other. Luo Wanqing did not yield an inch, and Li Zong's expression was unreadable.

After a long while, Li Zong seemed unable to hold the sword anymore, placing Lian Qing on the ground, and slowly said: "You've managed to get some leverage. Rest assured," he placed the sword on the ground and looked up at her, "if you help me, I will ensure you won't die."

"How can Your Majesty guarantee it?"

"Do you not trust my word?" Li Zong frowned, suppressing his anger, but Luo Wanqing remained calm.

She met Li Zong's gaze seriously: "Your Majesty once said that even in business, there is a deposit. If Your Majesty says you can guarantee it, show me how. After all, if I kill Zheng Pingsheng, Your Majesty could kill me to appease the Zheng family, which would be the simplest solution."

Seeing her understanding, Li Zong did not deceive her further, only saying: "How can you guarantee it?"

"I want Your Majesty to adopt me as your goddaughter and grant me the title of Princess," Luo Wanqing stated directly. Li Zong was somewhat surprised, raising his eyebrows, listening to Luo Wanqing continue, "I need a sufficiently noble status to ensure I won't be easily killed."

Li Zong couldn't help but say: "You dare to ask, but isn't the title of the Duchess of Guangan enough?"

"I will not marry Li Guiyu," Luo Wanqing firmly stated. "He is the one who killed my father; I cannot marry him."

Li Zong said nothing, pondering: "Actually, there is another identity that might fit, but I don't know if you're willing."

Luo Wanqing raised her eyes: "Your Majesty, please speak."

"The wife of the Head of the Supervision Division," Luo Wanqing showed surprise, and Li Zong smiled, "is this position high enough?"

Luo Wanqing dared not answer, unsure if Li Zong had learned something and was testing her and Xie Heng.

Fortunately, Li Zong did not seem to care, only thinking aloud: "Guiyu is determined to have you. Even if I grant you the title of Princess, he won't let go. Originally, Zhang Yiran marrying you would be proper, but first, this identity might not meet your requirements, and second, I fear that if he marries you today, Guiyu will make you a widow tomorrow."

"Your Majesty's consideration is indeed thorough."

Luo Wanqing's heart raced as Li Zong continued: "But we can do this. You originally came from the Supervision Division. Say you and Heng'er are in love, and Heng'er steps forward. Only then will Guiyu let go. Heng'er is protective; when you become his wife, the Zheng family won't dare to casually demand your execution. But marriage is personal, and I cannot force it. What do you think?"

Luo Wanqing said nothing, observing Li Zong's expression, which did not seem deceptive.

After a moment, she realized that whether as a Princess or a County Lady, any title granted by Li Zong would bind her to him.

But marriage was different. Although granted by Li Zong, it would not directly involve him.

However, Li Guiyu now had his sights set on her. If she did not marry Li Guiyu, only Xie Heng could suppress him.

She and Xie Heng had interacted before, and saying they were in love was plausible. The position of the Head's wife was noble, and since Xie Heng followed orders, it would be easier for him to marry her or hand her over than anyone else.

"If Young Master... this humble woman... naturally has no objections," Luo Wanqing considered, "but I'm afraid Young Master won't agree."

"No problem, I will talk to him. But I have one condition," Li Zong stared at her, his smile cold and decisive, "you must act during the wedding."

In front of everyone, proving it was you who acted, making it easier for me to distance myself later.

Luo Wanqing understood his meaning but asked: "Why?"

"In recent days, I've had people watch him. He stays secluded, making it hard to act. Only during your wedding with Heng'er will he likely appear, giving you the chance."

Li Zong explained, and Luo Wanqing immediately said: "There are too many people, and Zheng Bikui is always around him. I need a chance to get close to him."

"What do you propose?"

"Your Majesty can arrange a reconciliation in front of everyone. I will offer tea and apologize to him, and Supervisor Yang can secretly assist me."

"Fine," Li Zong agreed immediately, "then the wedding will be in half a month."

"I will act alone," Luo Wanqing emphasized.

"Unrelated to others," Li Zong confirmed.

They silently stared at each other, confirming the details. Finally, Luo Wanqing said: "These days, Your Majesty should not let Young Master discover our plan. Tell him a false plan, telling him to use the wedding to bring me back to the Supervision Division."

"Why tell him a false plan?" Li Zong was puzzled.

Luo Wanqing firmly stated: "There are Zheng family spies around him. Last time, I was ambushed by the Zheng family at Purple Clouds Mountain, likely due to information leaked by someone close to him."

Li Zong understood: "You want to use this opportunity to clear out those around him?"

"Your Majesty, killing Zheng Pingsheng is personal revenge, but as long as I survive," Luo Wanqing said earnestly, "I will always be loyal to Your Majesty. Young Master is Your Majesty's man, so I must protect him."

"If you are loyal, I will not mistreat you."

Li Zong smiled and stood up: "Then it's settled. Wait for the news."

With that, Li Zong took a step and left.

Luo Wanqing respectfully bowed her head, watching the master and servant leave. Only when they were far away did she let out a heavy sigh of relief.

Throughout the entire journey, facing off and negotiating with Li Zong, she hadn't been afraid. But the mention of Xie Heng had frightened her.

Li Zong was completely unaware of her emotions and simply led Yang Chun out. Once they were outside, Yang Chun confirmed Luo Wanqing couldn't hear them and couldn't help but chuckle, "Your Majesty, as soon as you mentioned Director Xie, that young lady was stunned with joy."

"Who wouldn't be happy to marry Heng'er?"

Li Zong glanced at the prison, not particularly concerned, and said, "Unfortunately, she doesn't have that fate."

Yang Chun was taken aback. Li Zong played with the jade bead in his hand, pondering, "How many moves would it take for you to kill her?"

Yang Chun, hearing this, replied uncertainly, "If the opportunity is right, one powerful strike should be enough to end her life."

"Then prepare yourself," Li Zong waved his hand, "at the wedding banquet, the moment she makes a move, kill her on the spot. This way," Li Zong smiled, "I can give an explanation to the world."

Whether it's granting the marriage or arranging things for Zheng Pingsheng and her, or even Yang Chun's assistance.

In front of everyone, he would kill her without hesitation, which would be his explanation to the Zheng family.

If the Zheng family is dissatisfied and acts against reason, then it's not his fault.

Thinking about it, Li Zong added, "Call Heng'er to the palace. Have him kneel outside the imperial study for half an hour, and then have your godson spread the word that he came to propose to Luo Wanqing."

Yang Chun felt uneasy upon hearing this, "Shouldn't we consult Director Xie first?"

Li Zong didn't care and continued, "Have the Chancellery draft a decree granting the marriage and bring it to me for my seal."

Hearing this, Yang Chun knew Li Zong planned to force the marriage through. He didn't say anything more and simply bowed before leaving.

When Xie Heng went to the palace, he received news that the Chancellery was drafting the decree.

Qingya looked at the message passed from the palace and sighed, "Young Master, this trip seems fraught with danger."

"Just say it." Xie Heng, busy with official documents, didn't want to beat around the bush.

Qingya didn't hand him the message but looked up, his tone serious, "Young Master, His Majesty plans to grant you a marriage."

Xie Heng paused, then said, "Turn back, return to the Supervision Division."

The driver immediately turned the carriage around. Qingya sighed, "Young Master, you're too hasty. Why not ask whose daughter it is?"

This tone made Xie Heng instantly sense something was amiss. He raised his eyes and saw Qingya trying to hide a smile as he handed over the message, "It's Miss Luo Wanqing of the Luo family."

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng's expression remained unchanged. He put away the document, confirmed it once more, and picked up his pen again, acting as if nothing had happened. Suppressing his emotions, he calmly ordered, "Turn back, go to the palace."

"Huh?"

The driver, confused by two consecutive turnarounds, hesitated slightly. Inside the carriage, Xie Heng's cold voice urged, "Faster."

---

**Mini Scene**

Li Zong: "Watch me randomly match couples! East Capital Cupid!"

Xie Heng: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Luo Wanqing: "You old fool, you guessed it pretty accurately."

Li Guiyu: "Li Zong, you dog father, I'll kill you!!"

**Mini Scene 2**

Qingya: "Young Master, His Majesty has granted a marriage."

Xie Heng: "Turn around and run fast."

Qingya: "It's Miss Luo."

Xie Heng: "!!! Quickly, turn back to the palace! Hurry, I can't wait a moment longer!"

Li Guiyu: "You won't get in. If you want to enter the palace today, step over my dead body!"

Xie Heng: "Driver, move aside, let me personally speed up and crash into him!"

**Mini Scene 3**

Passerby: "Why is the Supervision Division's carriage circling the street today?"

Qingya: "Because love makes it spin round and round."