Chapter 178

Chapter 178

◎Welcome, Lord of the Si Prefecture, may you live ten thousand years.◎

After everything had ended, the courtyard was filled with the pitter-patter of rain.

After they had cleaned up, their drowsiness faded away.

Dawn was approaching quickly. She did not have to attend court for the next three days, but she needed to handle all the miscellaneous matters before her departure. Today was her succession ceremony at the Supervision Division, and preparations needed to begin as soon as it was light. With only half an hour until dawn, neither of them felt like forcing themselves back to sleep.

Moreover, although they hadn't spoken about it, both had many questions, making this the perfect time to ask. So, Xie Heng picked up a chess piece and invited Luo Wanqing forward, saying, "Come, let's play a game."

Luo Wanqing walked to the opposite side of the table, sat down, and couldn't help but smile. "Ever since returning from the Dao Sect, it seems I've been playing chess with you."

"A good opponent is always worth another match."

Xie Heng glanced at her with a smile and praised, "Your chess skills have improved greatly."

"Young Master always said he wanted me to become the best Si Shi in the Supervision Division," Luo Wanqing looked at the chessboard, placed a piece, and spoke gently, "I naturally hope not to disappoint your expectations."

"Then tell me," Xie Heng looked at her, "did you plan today's situation from the beginning?"

"Not exactly."

Luo Wanqing placed another piece and honestly replied, "I took it one step at a time."

"What was your first move?"

Curious, Xie Heng asked. Luo Wanqing calmly responded, "Initially, I thought that in my previous life, Young Master's fate, as I foresaw, stemmed from three main events: first, Young Master incited the military disaster in Si Prefecture, causing the people to resent him; second, Young Master implemented the Great Xia Law and slaughtered the aristocrats, earning the hatred of the nobles; third, due to past events, Young Master despised himself and sought death."

Xie Heng's fingers trembled slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed at being seen through by Luo Wanqing.

He laughed lightly to cover it up, "Just overthinking."

"Among these three reasons, the third might be the primary one, but since Young Master promised me, I believe you won't leave me now."

Luo Wanqing spoke calmly, "As for the other two events, whether it's sending troops to Si Prefecture or implementing the Great Xia Law, these are irreversible actions. How could Young Master control the Northern Armies without sending troops to Si Prefecture? Moreover, if we didn't first defeat the Zheng family and directly expose the Cui family's case, the Wang and Zheng families would join forces, putting Young Master in grave danger. Young Master cannot avoid seeking revenge, so sending troops to Si Prefecture, or rather, annihilating the Zheng family, is inevitable and necessary."

"So you want to bear the blame for me?" Xie Heng understood and looked at her.

"I want to find a way out for Si Prefecture." Luo Wanqing looked at the chessboard, "So I gathered a lot of information on Si Prefecture. When I saw the situation there, I suddenly realized that perhaps it was better for Young Master to send troops."

Xie Heng listened to her words, the sound of the chess pieces falling echoing between them. He knew the situation she described.

"The imperial tax is thirty percent, but the Zheng family extorts money from officials. Those who refuse are dismissed. The remaining officials are Zheng family loyalists, who collect layer upon layer of taxes, leaving the common people with nearly eighty percent or more in taxes. How can anyone survive under such heavy taxation?"

Luo Wanqing gave a mocking smile and continued, "To survive, they can only accept being swallowed up by the Zheng family, selling their land at low prices and becoming Zheng family servants. After a year of hard labor, they hand over everything and receive just enough to stay alive. As servants, their lives are cheap and their status low. If a daughter is beaten to death, even if the mother reports it to the authorities, they only get some compensation, and in the end, they are told to be happy with the blood money."

"This is a local case?" Xie Heng understood.

Luo Wanqing nodded. "Yes, this is the local case."

Luo Wanqing's grip subtly intensified as she gazed up at Xie Heng. "It is precisely because the Zheng family has already bled the populace dry that a forced assault without proper appeasement, leading to the displacement of the people, would be a double blow. However, if we go there to champion justice for the people and assist them in rising against the Zheng family, the situation would be markedly different."

"The Zheng family's influence is too strong; the people won't easily rebel."

"That's because you've never been a commoner," Luo Wanqing said confidently. "Grass may be pliable, yet it can break through stone. All they need is a guiding light."

Xie Heng listened and slowly understood. "Do you want me to be that light?"

"Yes."

Luo Wanqing affirmed, "But for you to be that light, the people must believe that you will uphold justice for them and can do so. The best plan now is for everyone to know that you have taken my case and that Zheng Pingsheng has been dealt with. I also know that His Majesty's decision to deal with Zheng Pingsheng isn't for me but for himself. So, after returning, I've been looking for an opportunity to provoke the Zheng family into angering His Majesty. Even without Zheng Bikui," Luo Wanqing smiled, "I planned to cause trouble at the Zheng family."

"But with Zheng Bikui, it became much easier." Xie Heng tapped the chess piece on the table. "He attacked Zhang Yiran at the wedding banquet, which displeased His Majesty."

"I made Ji Qing poison himself in front of His Majesty, directly threatening his safety, making him even more displeased."

"Then you beat the Drum of Grievance, provoking Zheng Bikui," Xie Heng pondered. "In front of the people, you had me take the case and lead the people to the palace to seek justice for you. One stone, three birds: intensifying the conflict between the Zheng family and His Majesty, making me a symbol of justice in the hearts of the people, and paving the way for your execution of Zheng Pingsheng."

"Afterward, I'll write a book about you, spreading your name far and wide. Once I assassinate Zheng Pingsheng and the Zheng family rebels, you'll lead the troops to Si Prefecture, and I'll assist you in taking control."

Xie Heng listened and nodded, seemingly nonchalantly placing a chess piece. "After all this talk, you still haven't explained why you chose to act during the wedding?"

As he spoke, Xie Heng looked up, smiling at her with a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Knowing how much I care, why did you make it difficult?"

"If you care so much," Luo Wanqing was puzzled, "why did you allow it?"

"Answer me first, then I'll respond."

Xie Heng spoke, and Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, organizing her thoughts. "Initially, it was because Zheng Bikui was there. Without help, my chances of assassinating Zheng Pingsheng alone were slim. I guessed that your box contained something that would make His Majesty want Zheng Pingsheng dead. So, while in prison, I promised His Majesty to assassinate Zheng Pingsheng and used the excuse that the Zheng family had spies around you to keep it secret from you. To distance himself from me and to get rid of Li Guiyu, His Majesty granted us the marriage, allowing me to attempt the assassination during the wedding."

"So you lied to me?"

Xie Heng chuckled lightly, and Luo Wanqing hesitated before continuing. "With the imperial decree, it became hard to sever ties with you. So, I devised a plan. When I learned that you placed the map of the Zheng family's arsenal, I decided to force them to rebel and use it to coerce His Majesty into giving me the head of the Supervision Division. This way, although we would marry by imperial decree, I would become the head, turning kindness into enmity. Plus, my actions at the banquet would make Zheng Bikui report to his family that it was His Majesty who ordered me, thus protecting you..."

Xie Heng listened, his eyes filled with concern. Luo Wanqing kept her head down, explaining, "During this time, I also guessed that Li Guiyu would persistently pursue me. He offered to help me kill Zheng Pingsheng, leading me to suspect that he believed His Majesty knew the contents of the Xuantian Box and wanted to assassinate him. So, I played along..."

"He sent explosives, you searched the garden; he hired assassins, you gave out invitations." Xie Heng turned to drink tea, praising, "You worked together quite well, not surprising given your past."

"Still not as good as you," Luo Wanqing smiled, seeing his jealousy. "When did you realize I was going to act?"

"The gunpowder has a sulfur smell, noticeable to those with keen senses," Xie Heng said calmly. "After you buried it, I had someone spread special soil to mask the odor. You invited those extra guests, and Qingya reported the list to me; I let them in."

"Did you tacitly approve my actions?"

Curious, Luo Wanqing asked. Xie Heng thought for a moment and softly replied, "I just thought that your enemy should be slain by your own hand. Since you only wanted to part ways with me, I decided to use the pardon token to bind us forever." Xie Heng looked at her, smiling smugly.

Luo Wanqing listened without surprise, responding gently, "Unfortunately, now that I'm the head of the division, your plans might not work as intended."

"At least it made a sound," Xie Heng responded unwillingly. "I am now someone with a title."

Luo Wanqing couldn't help but laugh at his persistent concern over this. Seeing her smile, Xie Heng's heart softened, and he continued, "Why did you have Li Guiyu place the explosives?"

"His act of placing explosives was an assassination attempt. Would His Majesty spare him?" Luo Wanqing placed a chess piece, her eyes turning cold. "Among my requests to His Majesty, one was to become the head of the Supervision Division. To protect you and prevent me from revealing the location of the explosives to the Zheng family, he would have to agree. The second request was to confine Li Guiyu under my watch."

"Just confinement?" Xie Heng asked curiously.

Luo Wanqing said calmly, "Can't Young Master see? Among the princes, His Majesty values him the most, hinting at him as the successor. With so many people involved in this assassination, even if His Majesty harbors murderous thoughts, he wouldn't truly want to kill him without a thorough investigation. Confinement and further investigation align with His Majesty's wishes. But Li Guiyu won't see it that way. He knows what he has done and trusts no one. If he is confined, and I go there with my men and tell him that His Majesty ordered me to kill him, he will believe it."

"You're going to kill him?" Xie Heng understood.

Luo Wanqing looked at the chessboard. "Today, the Supervision Division will first surround Guangan Mansion. The day after tomorrow, before the expedition, all the experts from the Supervision Division will accompany me. If he chooses to leave with dignity, I'll grant him a full burial. If he resists and rebels," Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze to Xie Heng, "he will be executed without mercy."

Hearing this, Xie Heng smiled.

He played with the chess piece in his hand and said with a smile, "After killing him, you'll lead your troops and the Supervision Division out of East Capital. Even if His Majesty discovers it, he won't be able to catch up. He can only wait for your triumphant return."

"Starting today, Young Master can send urgent orders to the Supervision Divisions across the country to rush to Si Prefecture. Once they reach Si Prefecture, send another urgent order to Northwest. Today is the third day of the fourth month, and we will capture Si Prefecture before the twentieth. Prince Shengzhao can lead the Second Young Master Cui and Xingling to attack Beirong on the twentieth."

"The supplies and military equipment supported by the Qin and Xie clans will arrive in Si Prefecture on the twentieth," Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing analyzed. "After capturing Si Prefecture, I will block all frontline information and report to His Majesty about the Zheng family's collusion with Beirong and their impending invasion."

"Then we will march straight into Beirong," Luo Wanqing stated confidently. "Together with Prince Shengzhao, we will force Beirong to negotiate peace or return ten cities and allow our army to pass back into Great Xia."

Prince Li Shengzhao mainly commands cavalry. With four thousand cavalry returning with their families, joining the eight thousand troops already under their command, and the tens of thousands of elite forces from the Supervision Division, they will have nearly fifteen thousand troops stationed in Si Prefecture. They will open the granaries of Si Prefecture, utilizing the accumulated resources of the Qin and Xie clans and the inheritance from the Cui clan through Xie Heng.

At this point, reopening the old case against the Cui clan and restoring Prince Shengzhao's status, they can march directly to East Capital, ensuring their success.

No more words were needed; they silently gazed at each other.

As the sky turned from dark to grayish-blue, birds chirped. Xie Heng's gaze toward her gradually softened. "I have one last question."

"What?"

"Was the timing of the assassination attempt on Zheng Pingsheng that day," Xie Heng probed, "part of your plan?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing knew what Xie Heng was asking. She quietly looked at him, and he seemed no different than usual, but he kept fidgeting with the chess piece.

Sensing his restrained tension, she finally said, "No."

Xie Heng's heartbeat quickened slightly, but he didn't dare look away. He listened as she sighed, "I just wanted to marry Young Master, so I postponed the time."

Hearing her words, Xie Heng couldn't help but smile, turning his head to look out the window.

He remained silent, not moving or placing any pieces, simply smiling to himself.

Seeing his lack of action, Luo Wanqing waited a long while before tentatively saying, "Young Master, it's your turn to move."

Xie Heng turned to look at her, then casually tossed the chess piece with a smile.

"No more."

He stood up and said, "Dawn is approaching. Lady, please rest for a moment; I'll go prepare."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback as she watched Xie Heng fetch his clothes and dress himself, placing a headdress in front of the mirror.

Today, he didn't wear his official robes but instead donned the white silk attire he usually wore, topped with a jade headdress. The white robe was adorned with scattered silver petals, somewhat similar to Luo Wanqing's attire.

In no time, he brought people in.

"Come."

Xie Heng approached her, extending his hand to take hers: "I will assist the Lady in rising."

Luo Wanqing instinctively glanced at the servants beside her, all of whom were looking down.

Xie Heng led her to wash her face and rinse her mouth, then took the official robes from the servants and dressed her piece by piece, finally tying the waist sash and leading her to the mirror to place the golden headdress on her head.

He drew her eyebrows, dabbed rouge on her lips, and when everything was done, Luo Wanqing looked up at herself and him in the mirror.

He stood beside her, also gazing at the two of them in the mirror.

After a long while, Xie Heng spoke hoarsely, "Very beautiful."

"Young Master, Lady."

Qingya arrived at the door, respectfully asking, "Are you ready?"

"Ready."

Xie Heng turned his head, extending his hand towards Luo Wanqing with a smile: "Lady, please."

Luo Wanqing, slightly embarrassed by his teasing, reached out to hold Xie Heng's hand.

Xie Heng helped her up and followed behind her as they descended the mountain together.

They walked down the back of the mountain to the Supervision Division's meeting hall.

The hall was already filled with people, the Vermilion Birds of Xuanshan standing on either side of the high golden throne, watching as Luo Wanqing appeared with the Vermilion Bird Xie Heng.

The moment they appeared at the door, the Vermilion Birds of Xuanshan knelt down first, respectfully saying, "We welcome the Lady."

At that instant, everyone in the Supervision Division hall knelt down together, chanting in unison, "We welcome the Lady."

Luo Wanqing looked at the sea of people kneeling before her, the red carpet stretching up to the high golden throne, feeling the morning light gradually falling upon them.

She instinctively turned back and saw Xie Heng standing beside her.

A hint of a smile flashed in his cold eyes, calming Luo Wanqing's heart.

She turned around, took a deep breath, and stepped over the threshold. Mimicking Xie Heng's usual manner, she raised her hand and said, "Rise."

Author's note:

"Side scene"

Xie Heng: "Was the assassination attempt part of the plan?"

Luo Wanqing: "No, I changed the plan for you."

Xie Heng: "Great! My wife loves me. I won't play chess with others anymore. From now on, I'll follow whatever moves my wife makes. I'll be her strongest enforcer!"

Qingya: "Young Master, don't let love cloud your judgment."

Xie Heng: "You don't understand. This is called following a powerful leader. My wife is destined for greatness, and I just need to go along for the ride."

Qingya: "What if your wife isn't destined for greatness?"

Xie Heng: "I'll make her the destined one. I'll always follow her lead!"