Chapter 174 (Part 2)

Chapter 174 (Part 2)

"Are you Cui Heng?"

"You're outrageous!"

Upon hearing this, Li Zong roared in anger. Then he realized his loss of composure and glanced around, suppressing his emotions as he consoled, "Heng'er, you've been drinking today. I'll take your words as drunken talk."

"Does Your Majesty dare not?"

Xie Heng looked at Li Zong calmly and said, "Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven. Your power is granted by the heavens, and no one can take it away. The token of immunity you gave to protect an orphaned girl avenging her father's death—is that not enough? If anyone objects, they are offending heavenly authority, showing great disrespect, plotting treason, and being traitors. What does Your Majesty have to fear?"

"Counselor Xie is putting the Emperor in a difficult position for personal gain."

As soon as Xie Heng finished speaking, Li Guiyu's voice came from outside the door. He strode in, and everyone looked up at him. His clothes were somewhat disheveled, and his breathing was rapid, clearly indicating he had rushed over.

He bowed respectfully and said, "Father."

"Guiyu has arrived."

Seeing Li Guiyu, Li Zong sighed with relief and pointed to the nearest small table beside him, saying, "Come, Guiyu, sit here."

"Thank you, Father, for the seat, but I still have something to say."

After bowing to Li Zong, Li Guiyu looked at Xie Heng and said, "I just heard Counselor Xie insist on protecting the criminal Luo Wanqing, even threatening with the token of immunity. Such favoritism—aren't you afraid of inciting public outrage?"

"Public outrage?"

Xie Heng sneered, "Who is the public? Is it Zheng Pingsheng, who falsely accused the commoner Luo family, or is it the Luo family? Why the outrage? Is it because the lowly-born Luo family was wrongfully killed and forced to kneel and apologize, or because those who caused their deaths still live in wealth and comfort? Speaking of public outrage, Luo Wanqing's actions today bring joy to the world. As for law and order, whose fault is it that the token of immunity is not recognized—Zheng's family, Your Highness, or perhaps—"

Xie Heng turned to Wang Shenfeng and asked, "Or is it the Southern Guard's Sixteen Divisions?"

Wang Shenfeng's expression grew colder upon hearing this.

Xie Heng then looked at Li Zong and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, earlier, the Supervision Division intercepted a spy sending a message to the Southern Guard's Sixteen Divisions to surround us. Today, explosives were placed in the garden, and three waves of assassins infiltrated. Your Majesty, whether Luo Wanqing acted to protect you or out of personal revenge against Zheng Pingsheng, this matter is yet to be determined."

With these words, Xie Heng glanced around, implying, "But heavenly authority cannot be violated. With the token of immunity present today, Your Majesty can pardon whom you wish. If anyone objects, I will not hesitate to exterminate their entire clan to uphold imperial authority."

Everyone now understood the situation.

Three waves of assassins had come to kill Li Zong. After the assassination attempt, the Supervision Division surrounded everyone to search for the assassins, while Wang Shenfeng had directly ordered the Southern Guard's Sixteen Divisions to make certain preparations.

This news left everyone trembling with fear.

Pardoning Luo Wanqing seemed to have become a way for Li Zong to assert his dignity as the Son of Heaven and negotiate with the powerful families.

Li Zong remained silent, his face unreadable. Li Guiyu glanced at Li Zong's expression and immediately said, "Counselor Xie speaks boldly. If you insist on protecting Luo Wanqing today, what if the Zheng family rebels tomorrow, causing widespread chaos? Who will be held responsible?"

"If the Zheng family rebels, it will naturally be their responsibility."

"But the Zheng family is powerful. If they prepare for war and threaten the nation, who will be held accountable?"

"I will," Xie Heng answered without hesitation. He then knelt down, saying earnestly, "Your humble servant Xie Heng swears that if the Zheng family dares to show any sign of rebellion, I will personally lead the army to subdue Si Prefecture within a month. If they manage to step out of Si Prefecture, I will offer my head!"

Hearing this, everyone's faces changed dramatically.

The Zheng family controlled tens of thousands of troops in Si Prefecture, deeply rooted and intertwined. Subduing them within a month was sheer madness.

"Xie Heng," Xie Xiuqi clenched his porcelain cup tightly and couldn't help but say, "Don't be too reckless!"

"Young people," Wang Shenfeng chuckled, his eyes filled with murderous intent as he stared at Xie Heng, "tend to speak without understanding the gravity of their words. It's not surprising."

The surrounding people murmured among themselves. Li Zong stared at Xie Heng, scrutinizing his intentions.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, "It's too early to talk about this. I believe the Zheng family will understand this is a misunderstanding. There must be many misunderstandings today. After all, it is Heng'er's wedding day. Let it go."

He seemed to concede, sighing, "There's no need to investigate the assassins today. As for those who sent messages to the Southern Guard's Sixteen Divisions, perhaps they were just framing others. After all, the Southern Guard belongs to the court, and no minister could command them. Let it be. And as for Luo Wanqing..."

Li Zong thought for a moment, then looked at Xie Heng and said, "Since Heng'er values her so much, I will spare her life. But she cannot escape punishment. Send out a warrant to find her. Once found, Heng'er, you will personally take her to the Zheng family to apologize."

"Yes."

Xie Heng responded, and everyone listened to Li Zong's arrangement, each harboring their own thoughts.

This was clearly a compromise, not investigating the assassins or pursuing those who sent messages to the Southern Guard's Sixteen Divisions, but leaving Luo Wanqing, who had killed Zheng Pingsheng.

Was Luo Wanqing really sent by Li Zong?

And who arranged the assassination attempt today?

These questions lingered in the minds of the officials, with countless possibilities, but no one dared to speak further. Li Zong waved his hand wearily, supporting his forehead, and said, "Leave. Guiyu, stay here and accompany me back to the palace."

"Yes."

Li Guiyu responded, understanding that Li Zong, shaken by today's assassination attempt, needed more than Yang Chun to feel secure and wanted his son nearby.

Li Zong spoke, and those detained in the Supervision Division for the day quickly rose and hurried to leave, fearing any further incidents.

Once everyone had left, Li Zong, supported by Yang Chun, sighed and said, "Heng'er, follow me inside."

Xie Heng followed Yang Chun to the study in the backyard. Upon entering, Li Zong suddenly slapped Xie Heng hard across the face.

Xie Heng stood still, and Li Zong glared at him, saying, "Kneel down!"

Xie Heng obeyed and knelt. Li Zong looked down at him, his eyes cold, "Have you been indulged too long that you've forgotten who you are? The head of the Supervision Division? Do you remember who gave you this position?"

"I remember," Xie Heng said calmly, "it was Your Majesty."

"Then why do you dare to act like this?" Li Zong was incredulous, staring at the young man kneeling before him, unable to comprehend, "Didn't you hear what she shouted? What she did? Now everyone thinks it was me who ordered her! And you still want to protect her?!"

"But now—" Xie Heng spoke up, reminding him, "the whole world knows that I protect her."

Li Zong was taken aback. Xie Heng raised his head and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, please let Lingshu bear this responsibility."

The moment the words left his mouth, Li Zong suddenly understood Xie Heng's intention today.

For so many years, the powerful families had been a thorn in the side of every ruler, constraining their power. If the Zheng family did not rebel this time, all other powerful families would think twice before acting. His imperial authority might reach its peak in Li history.

If they did rebel and Xie Heng could indeed suppress Si Prefecture within a month, other powerful families would not dare to cause trouble. If Xie Heng failed, he could pin all the blame on him.

As the head of the Supervision Division, where did he get such deep affection? It was simply because Luo Wanqing was the one he had personally instructed to assassinate Zheng Pingsheng.

Then, the assassination of Zheng Pingsheng would be Xie Heng's crime, as would the military disaster in Si Prefecture. By executing Xie Heng, he could at least secure his own survival.

Just like when he sacrificed the Cui family to save himself back then.

Could he truly be so loyal?

Li Zong found it hard to believe for a moment, staring blankly at the young man kneeling before him, listening to his earnest analysis: "Your Majesty, today they attempted to assassinate you; they can no longer contain themselves. If you continue to tolerate them, they will only see you as weak and vulnerable. They dared to poison witnesses right before you in the hall, and now they dare to attempt assassination in public. When we searched, they even mobilized the sixteen guards of the Southern Office. If this continues, what do you think—"

Xie Heng did not continue, but Li Zong already understood his meaning.

The actions of the powerful families were escalating, and sooner or later, they might plot to kill him on the golden throne.

Li Zong remained silent, thinking for a long time before finally asking, "Why?"

He looked at Xie Heng, staring into his eyes: "Why do they want to assassinate me?"

"Is Your Majesty asking me to investigate?"

Xie Heng spoke directly. Li Zong paused, then realized.

It was the Xuantian Box.

His expression slowly turned cold, suddenly understanding that these people knew he had opened the Xuantian Box.

That unspoken layer seemed to be instantly pierced.

He had never intended to pursue past grievances, but these people, believing he knew everything, chose to assassinate him without hesitation.

Anger built up in Li Zong's heart, and he gave a mocking smile, turning away: "Enough, I understand. I misunderstood you."

Saying this, Li Zong turned to look at him with a tender and guilty expression: "I'm sorry, I was too harsh. Lingshu, in this position..."

"I understand," Xie Heng immediately responded, saying earnestly, "Your Majesty has nurtured me and treated me like a father. The Cui family disregarded my life, and the Xie family cared nothing for me. Only Your Majesty, like a teacher and a father, need never apologize to Lingshu."

Hearing this, Li Zong felt a slight stirring in his heart, looking at the young man before him, unable to help but say, "How wonderful it would be if you were my own son."

If he were his son, how could the Li dynasty worry about its legacy?

Xie Heng smiled, saying, "Your Majesty's kindness is an honor to me."

"Very well, let's proceed as you suggested. Keep Luo Wanqing for now. If the Zheng family remains loyal to me, execute her as a gesture to the Zheng family. If they rebel..."

Li Zong laughed coldly, not saying more.

Xie Heng lowered his eyes, responding, "Yes."

"Alright, that's enough. I won't keep you any longer."

Li Zong patted his shoulder, saying seriously, "Find her soon. A newlywed groom alone in an empty room is a pity, isn't it?"

"Your Majesty jests," Xie Heng said, escorting Li Zong out.

Approaching the outer courtyard, Xie Heng suddenly remembered Li Guiyu at the entrance and quietly said, "Your Majesty, Supervisor Yang ranks second among the Grandmasters and is trustworthy. But Third Highness, don't get too close. I haven't fully investigated today's incident yet. Your Majesty should be cautious. If you're not at ease, I'll escort you back to the palace."

Li Zong thought for a moment and said, "Very well."

With that, Li Zong walked out with Xie Heng.

In front of others, he stopped talking to Xie Heng and was escorted back to the palace by Li Guiyu and Xie Heng.

Everyone remained silent on the way. That night, every household in East Capital's officialdom was discussing late into the night, with no one able to sleep peacefully.

When Li Zong returned to the palace, Li Guiyu and Xie Heng walked out together.

As they walked through the palace gates, Li Guiyu seemed to have finally calmed down. He appeared to have understood something and said calmly, "I heard that the initial concept of the Great Xia Law came from Director Xie, and after much refinement, it became the final version."

"Why mention this?"

"Afterward, the entire Cui family perished due to it. So in the past, I always thought that Director Xie was someone who disregarded family and friends, solely focused on implementing the Great Xia Law. I couldn't imagine how someone, whose loved ones died because of it, could put it aside and live like an ordinary person, falling in love?"

"These two things are not contradictory."

"Really?" Li Guiyu stopped, turning to look at Xie Heng.

He stared at Xie Heng for a long time before finally saying, "If they are not contradictory, why did Cui Heng have to die on Liufeng Island?"

Hearing this, Xie Heng stiffened. Li Guiyu noticed his reaction and suddenly reacted, raising his hand to strike Xie Heng's chest. This move was identical to the one used by Luo Wanqing when she entered the city gate, the same lethal technique he used against Cui Heng. The palm strike was too fast, and Xie Heng instinctively countered it in the same manner, deflecting Li Guiyu's hand.

Li Guiyu's eyes widened in disbelief, "Was it you?"

Xie Heng feigned ignorance, "What does Your Highness mean?"

"Are you Cui Heng?" Li Guiyu realized, breathing rapidly. Memories he had deliberately ignored suddenly connected, and he stared intently at Xie Heng, "You didn't die, did you? You are Cui Heng, aren't you?!"

This time, Xie Heng neither denied nor confirmed it.

He knew he could no longer hide it. After his silence, Li Guiyu suddenly became frantic, speaking urgently, "Does Miss know? Does she know you didn't die?!"

"She returned to East Capital on the first night, and you met me in the carriage," Xie Heng suddenly spoke, calmly saying, "This was not a coincidence."

Li Guiyu froze, his mind instantly recalling the faint plum blossom at Luo Wanqing's neckline, and the mountain villa where Xie Heng lived, which used to be a famous plum garden in East Capital.

He sensed something but dared not believe it. He stared at Xie Heng, cautiously asking, "You're lying to me, right?"

Without waiting for Xie Heng to speak, Li Guiyu laughed, "You're all lying to me! How could you be Cui Heng? How could Miss deceive me? You deserve to die," Li Guiyu grabbed his collar, breathing rapidly, "You deserve to die!"

"She left."

Xie Heng spoke, and Li Guiyu immediately shouted, "Shut up!"

"I am on Liufeng Island, hoping she would walk out of your life."

"Shut up! Shut up!"

"She doesn't hate you, nor does she love you, Li Guiyu," Xie Heng pried open his fingers one by one, calmly declaring, "From now on, she will be my wife, and has nothing to do with you or Jiang Shaoyan. Jiang Shaoyan is just a part of her past. Her future will have no place for you."

"You're lying."

Li Guiyu spoke hoarsely, "You deceived her, you deceived yourself, and you want to deceive me too."

Xie Heng paused, and Li Guiyu stared at him, only asking, "Did you use Cui Heng to deceive her? Does she love you, Xie Heng? She loves Cui Heng, and everything she feels for you now is just transference! What do you have in common with Cui Heng?"

Li Guiyu scrutinized him, as if questioning himself, "Are you Cui Heng? Can you love her wholeheartedly? Can you put aside everything and have only her in your life?"

Xie Heng fell silent, but Li Guiyu laughed, "Li Guiyu is not Jiang Shaoyan, and Xie Heng is not Cui Heng. Xie Heng, you merely took over Cui Heng's feelings. You killed Cui Heng. Just like I—"

Li Guiyu's eyes welled with tears, "killed Jiang Shaoyan."

Xie Heng looked at him quietly, and at that moment, he suddenly realized how many similarities there were between him and Li Guiyu.

"She cares only about you living, inheriting Cui Heng's existence. If she truly cared about you, she wouldn't have chosen today to act. Back then, when she chose our wedding date, she even asked neighbors to avoid slaughtering chickens on that day. But today, she orchestrated everything herself. Do you know why she renovated the garden?"

Li Guiyu laughed, "To let my men enter and plant explosives."

Xie Heng's eyes flickered, and Li Guiyu continued, "Do you know why she sent invitations to minor officials? To let my men mix in and take her away. The boat I prepared is by the river. I said, I was waiting for her."

"But she didn't go."

Xie Heng spoke, and Li Guiyu felt a sharp pain in his heart. Xie Heng continued, "I know what you said, but today, she refused the emperor's request and waited until we were married. For me, that's enough."

Li Guiyu's eyes flickered, and Xie Heng's gaze softened slightly, "My entire life has been blessed by fate, and I am grateful. I love her not because she loves me, but because she is who she is."

"Then you are truly pitiful." Li Guiyu sneered.

Xie Heng chuckled, "Do you think you can call me pitiful?"

The two stood in silence, and Li Guiyu took a deep breath, "Fine, let's see how long your luck lasts, and how long you can be husband and wife."

"At least I’ll outlive you."

"Then I’ll wait and see."

After exchanging these words, they parted ways without further ado, each taking their own path.

Once they were in their respective carriages, Li Guiyu immediately called over Qingzhu and whispered, "Have the people in Si Prefecture prepare a few hundred men. Find a county office to seize and kill all the officials there. Hang up the Zheng family emblem. Have the informants deliver the news to the palace and say—the Zheng family has rebelled."

Qingzhu was taken aback and couldn’t help but say, "Your Highness, but these are our people, not the Zheng family..."

"If I say so, then it is so. Once Si Prefecture is pacified," Li Guiyu lowered his gaze, looking at the sword on his knee, caressing its blade, and said coldly, "they will be part of the Supervision Division."

Hearing this, Qingzhu slowly understood and responded, "Understood. I’ll go take care of it right away."

"And that other matter?"

Li Guiyu looked up at him, and Qingzhu immediately knew what Li Guiyu meant. He replied seriously, "It’s already been taken care of."

On the other side, Xie Heng got into his carriage and wiped his hands, saying, "The mechanisms on the mountain won’t be activated tonight; we’ll focus on searching for the lady. Qingya gave me a list of generals; notify Zhou Shan that he can make preparations during this time. Send a letter to the Northwest and tell Cui Junye that everything is proceeding as planned. Within a month, I should be able to reach Si Prefecture."

"Something happened."

Xuanshan suddenly spoke from within the carriage. Xie Heng looked over as Xuanshan continued, "Today, on the list of those who perished, apart from Li Guiyu, the only remaining young prince of the Wang family, the twelfth prince Li Changrong, is dead."

---

**Side Scene**

Li Guiyu (stabbing): "With all the mess behind you, do you even deserve to date my lady?"

Xie Heng (stabbing): "I am Cui Heng."

Li Guiyu (stabbing): "So what if you’re Cui Heng? I’m also Jiang Shaoyan."

Xie Heng (stabbing): "You’re not Jiang Shaoyan; Jiang Shaoyan is in the past."

Li Guiyu (stabbing): "You don’t have a future either; she just transferred her feelings from Cui Heng to you."

Xie Heng (stabbing with a bloody smile): "No worries, I don’t mind; after all, the future is mine."

Li Guiyu (stabbing): "She conspired with me and didn’t tell you; what future are you talking about?"

Xie Heng (continuing to stab): "But she postponed the wedding with me; isn’t that love?"

Li Guiyu (stabbing): "Your self-deception is truly pitiful."

Xie Heng (stabbing again): "Your desperation is even more pitiful."

Li Guiyu (drawing his sword and threatening): "Fine, let’s see how long you can stay happy. Anyway, these are minor issues now; I’ve dealt with them before, and I don’t care."

Xie Heng (drawing his sword and threatening): "Fine, at least my good days will outlast your life. I don't care about your past."

The stabbing round ends, both sides covered in blood, holding their swords, they storm off in opposite directions heading home.

Li Guiyu: "Kill him."

Xie Heng: "Murder him."

After giving the orders, both of them, clutching their wounds, silently shed tears: "My lady/wife, I'm in so much pain."