Chapter 184

Chapter 184

◎Ji Ruifang Awakens◎

"Lady Luo."

On the outskirts of Si Prefecture, at a military banquet, Luo Wanqing sat at the head of the tent, with Xie Heng beside her. Zheng Qiuhe approached her with a cup of wine, somewhat nervously offering a toast.

He was Zheng Qiuhe, the newly appointed head of the Zheng family.

Three days ago, this young man had come trembling to Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing's tent in the middle of the night. He had rushed there almost risking his life, and when the soldiers brought him to Luo Wanqing’s tent, she hadn’t even finished dressing, only throwing on one of Xie Heng’s coats before rushing out. Then she saw the young man kneeling, saying, "Lady Luo, Military Governor Luo, I know the Zheng family has no chance of survival this time. We, the collateral branches, have done nothing. We are willing to lead the way for you, as long as you spare us."

Luo Wanqing listened quietly, frowning.

Then, Zheng Qiuhe heard a light laugh from inside the tent, followed by a calm voice: "It’s not whether Lady Luo spares you but whether you deserve to be spared."

As he spoke, a young man lifted the tent flap. He was disheveled but handsome, exuding an air of elegance and arrogance. Looking down at Zheng Qiuhe, he slightly bent over and asked calmly, "Do you want to be the head of the Zheng family?"

Zheng Qiuhe was taken aback; he had little connection with the Zheng family in the past.

He disapproved of their actions but, being kin, felt helpless and could only distance himself.

However, knowing that the Zheng family had plotted treason, a crime punishable by extermination of nine generations, he had no choice but to take a gamble.

Hearing the young man’s words, Zheng Qiuhe understood his meaning. Watching the change in Zheng Qiuhe’s eyes, the young man straightened up and instructed, "Vermilion Bird, gather your men and listen to Young Master Zheng’s orders. If Young Master can become the head of the Zheng family and hand over the criminals, Lady Luo is merciful and will not punish the innocent."

Saying this, the young man looked at Luo Wanqing standing nearby. His gaze softened as he said, "Right, Lady Luo?"

"Right."

Luo Wanqing looked helplessly at Xie Heng, who had appeared suddenly. She knew he was displeased because someone had interrupted their moment, and was deliberately making things difficult for Zheng Qiuhe, clearly a commoner. But she still said, "As long as Young Master Zheng can convince his family to hand over the criminals for trial by the Supervision Division, the Supervision Division will not punish the innocent."

Zheng Qiuhe pursed his lips tightly, thinking for a long while before bowing to Luo Wanqing and leaving with his men.

Luo Wanqing hadn’t expected much from this seemingly dull young man, but three days later, he actually became the head of the Zheng family, binding the elders and opening the city gates.

After opening the gates, everything became simpler. Luo Wanqing stationed her troops on the outskirts of the city, led a group into the city, reestablished the Supervision Division, and began accepting all cases. Afterward, she rearranged the city’s affairs.

After working day and night, they finally settled the city of Si Prefecture, signifying her complete takeover of the region. Everyone finally got some rest, and she held a victory banquet for the troops outside the city as usual.

After everyone had toasted, Zheng Qiuhe also came forward. He had never been involved in politics before, and most people here didn’t know him except for Luo Wanqing. Seeing him approach, she smiled reassuringly, "Young Master Zheng, please don’t be nervous. Sit down."

Feeling more relaxed seeing Luo Wanqing’s kind expression, Zheng Qiuhe sat opposite her and heard her ask, "Since entering the city, we’ve been busy. I haven’t had a chance to hear the details from Young Master Zheng. How did you convince the elders to open the city gates?"

"It wasn’t so much convincing as being prepared," Zheng Qiuhe replied with a bitter smile. "The Zheng family has many collateral branches within Si Prefecture, and the entire clan related through marriage might number over ten thousand. When news of Xu Cheng spread, everyone was in a panic. Once we learned about Zheng Pingsheng’s rebellion, we were terrified. We all knew that Lady Luo’s arrival was justified. If we resisted, we would be traitors, and everyone would be against us. But if we didn’t resist, would the court spare us from the punishment of exterminating nine generations?"

"You’re right to be afraid," Luo Wanqing nodded, then continued, "So you decided not to resist?"

"We, the collateral branches who did nothing, naturally didn’t want to get involved. Moreover, we could see that the main family’s actions over the years had already made the people suffer. If we truly fought against the court, the soldiers would not only fight Xie Heng but also guard against attacks from the people. The Zheng family would be isolated, and no one wanted to stand with them. So... when we learned that the imperial army was approaching Si Prefecture, they sent me to gauge Lady Luo’s intentions. If Lady Luo was willing to spare the ordinary collateral branches, we would clean our own house."

"So if you died that day, the Zheng family would have decided to resist to the end?"

Luo Wanqing understood, and Zheng Qiuhe nodded sheepishly, then quickly added, "Not exactly. Even if I died, the family would still remain loyal to His Majesty."

"There’s no need to be so cautious," Luo Wanqing found his explanation amusing and laughed reassuringly. "It’s understandable."

Luo Wanqing was beautiful, and Zheng Qiuhe had always seen her with the dignity of a high-ranking official, making it hard for him to look directly at her.

Now, her gentle smile seemed like ripples in autumn water, and Zheng Qiuhe was momentarily captivated until a light cough from beside him brought him back to reality. He hurriedly looked away, not daring to stare.

"But coming to me was a risk. Weren’t you afraid I might kill you?" Luo Wanqing asked, not noticing his reaction.

Zheng Qiuhe hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, I was afraid."

"Then why come?"

"Someone had to come," Zheng Qiuhe said bitterly. "With so many people, we had to find a way out. And... if I didn’t come, I wouldn’t survive either."

"Weren’t you afraid I’d deceive you?" Luo Wanqing asked curiously. Zheng Qiuhe shook his head.

Looking at her seriously, he said, "Lady Luo isn’t that kind of person."

"Oh," Luo Wanqing nodded, then asked curiously, "If no one forced you, would you still have come?"

"I would," Zheng Qiuhe nodded.

Luo Wanqing raised an eyebrow, finding it strange. "Why?"

"To meet Lady Luo," Zheng Qiuhe smiled boldly. "It doesn’t seem so scary anymore."

As Zheng Qiuhe spoke, Luo Wanqing felt a particularly noticeable gaze from beside her.

She looked over and saw Xie Heng sitting at a small table nearby, holding a cup of wine and staring at her and Zheng Qiuhe without hiding his gaze.

When he noticed her looking, Xie Heng turned away and stood up, walking out of the tent.

Seeing him leave, Luo Wanqing hesitated for a moment before smiling at Zheng Qiuhe. "I’m feeling tired. Young Master Zheng, please make yourself comfortable."

With that, she stood up and followed Xie Heng out of the tent.

Xie Heng sensed her presence but kept walking slowly toward the forest near the moat.

As they walked into the woods, the moonlight fell upon them. After a while, Luo Wanqing finally spoke, "Going further will be too far."

"What’s the harm in going further?"

Xie Heng didn't turn around. He walked to the riverbank, sat down, and looked at the flowing water, smiling as he said, "Afraid we won't make it back in time to have a few more drinks with Young Master Zheng?"

"Just idle chatter."

Luo Wanqing sat down beside him, listening to the sound of the rushing water, and turned to look at him. "Are you angry?"

"How could I be?" Xie Heng glanced at her, but his words were laced with sarcasm. "Lady Luo, now that you're in such a high position, today's incident was just an appetizer. Perhaps someone might even send you male concubines in the future. If I get angry over a few words, how will I manage in the days to come?"

Luo Wanqing listened and thought for a moment before changing the subject, curious, "So, has anyone ever sent you people before?"

Xie Heng paused, surprised by her quick response. He hesitated for a moment and then coughed lightly, saying, "What did you talk about?"

"Really sent you people?" Luo Wanqing's curiosity grew, pressing on, "Are you lying? You weren't learning... in the Dao Sect..."

Luo Wanqing couldn't bring herself to say "bedroom arts," so she asked instead, "Do you really only have me?"

Hearing this, Xie Heng didn't try to prove himself; he only sighed and looked at Luo Wanqing with a pained expression. "Between us, don't we have at least that much trust?"

Luo Wanqing remained silent, looking seriously at Xie Heng, who was full of disappointment.

After a moment, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but laugh, and seeing her smile, Xie Heng also smiled.

"Almost got caught up in your trap."

Luo Wanqing smiled softly, and Xie Heng glanced at her, dissatisfied. "I was the one who got caught up. Your tongue is getting sharper these days."

Luo Wanqing looked down at their reflections in the water and said gently, "If I wasn't sharp, wouldn't I always be led around by Young Master?"

"I misjudged you," Xie Heng sighed. "I thought you weren't good with words, but you're quite sharp-tongued. Tell me, did you have a lot to talk about with Zheng Qiuhe?"

"I'm worried he might be feigning surrender," Luo Wanqing said seriously. "So I wanted to discuss it thoroughly."

"And the result?"

"It should be fine." Luo Wanqing looked at the flowing water and spoke softly. "Rebellion is a matter of life and death, everyone is afraid. If other families support them, they might have some confidence, but now they are isolated. The Zheng family doesn't want to sink together."

"The common people don't want to sink with them either."

Xie Heng responded, and Luo Wanqing fell silent. After a moment, she turned to look at him. "What if it was us?"

Xie Heng raised an eyebrow, surprised. "If it was us, would it be the same?"

Xie Heng laughed. "Of course."

He turned to look at the rushing water. "Soldiers are human. Regardless of the reason, they just want to find the easiest way to survive. The army is a sharp blade because once you join, you become blind and deaf. You don't know what the easiest way to survive is, so you follow orders instinctively. But once you realize that orders might lead to death, you start to have doubts. For example, if soldiers realize you're rebelling and the whole world is against you, why should they risk their lives for you?"

Luo Wanqing listened quietly as Xie Heng lifted his finger and lightly flicked it. "If the morale is like this, it's as precarious as a house of cards. Any slight disturbance can cause the army to collapse instantly. This wouldn't change whether the leader is the Zheng family or us."

"So..." Luo Wanqing was still puzzled. "What do you plan to do next?"

Xie Heng was surprised and raised an eyebrow. "Why, don't you have a plan? I thought Lady Luo had everything planned out?"

"There's no plan."

Luo Wanqing shook her head, satisfied. "We've come this far, and I'm relieved."

"Oh? Why?"

"Your fate has changed." Luo Wanqing's eyes softened as she looked down at her toes, kicking them aimlessly. "Zheng Pingsheng's death has nothing to do with you, and you didn't bring war to Si Prefecture or falsely accuse and slaughter the entire Zheng clan..."

Luo Wanqing smiled. "These accusations have been cleared. What we do next..." She looked up at him, gentle and serious. "I'll follow Young Master's lead."

Xie Heng's gaze shifted. He looked at her for a long moment and then smiled, somewhat helplessly. "You... you've already put in the main ingredients and now say you'll follow me."

Xie Heng turned away, not dwelling on it, and explained, "But it's fine. Things are almost done. Recently, I've sealed off all communication at the border. The court can only receive the information I give them. According to the plan, my brother will launch a surprise attack from the Northwest on Beirong today. Tomorrow, you can use the battle report as an excuse to lead the troops straight to the border and join forces with my brother to attack Beirong."

"Young Master wants to tell the emperor that Beirong attacked first?" Luo Wanqing understood and frowned. "If the Wang family starts a rebellion behind us..."

"The other families won't agree," Xie Heng immediately said. "At least until we finish fighting Beirong, the other families won't allow the Wang family to attack us. They fear Beirong might break through. They will wait until we are weakened after fighting Beirong, and then they will take advantage."

"What will you do then?"

"Isn't that perfect?" Xie Heng smiled. "We welcome back the Cui family's army. After six years of training outside, this army will be our loyal elite. The emperor's troops, under your command, will become yours after surviving battles. Then we will have nearly a hundred thousand troops. If the Wang family rebels, we will unite the world to punish them."

Luo Wanqing listened and understood Xie Heng's intentions.

She continued, "But if there are heavy losses during the attack on Beirong..."

"That's why you must cherish life," Xie Heng said, knowing what she meant. "Yours and others'. I've bribed Beirong officials. Without any surprises, after the war begins, these officials will advise the Beirong emperor to seek peace. You can negotiate with them. As long as they return ten border cities and let the Han people return, we can stop. Avoid unnecessary battles after the initial ones. Preserve our strength, welcome my brother back, and if the Wang family hasn't rebelled, we'll bring this army back. They are the strongest witnesses for the Cui case..."

Xie Heng paused, finding it hard to continue, but Luo Wanqing understood. She looked into his eyes and finished his unspoken words: "Young Master will bring them to the throne hall to seek justice for the Cui family and Aunt."

Li Zong dared not handle this case because the Wang and Zheng families were powerful, and he didn't want to provoke them.

But now, the Zheng family has fallen, and with the army under their control, they have the power to challenge the Wang family. Li Zong has no reason to show favoritism anymore.

He should give a verdict.

"Then, using the punishment of the Wang family as an opportunity, reintroduce the Great Xia Law." Luo Wanqing described Xie Heng's anticipated future. "Young Master's journey will end."

"At that time, you can personally review your own case." Xie Heng laughed at her words. "How will you treat Li Guiyu?"

"As the Great Xia Law dictates."

Luo Wanqing's expression was calm when she heard Li Guiyu's name. Her tone was indifferent. "I only need a conclusion with him."

"Do you still resent him?"

Xie Heng asked curiously. Luo Wanqing thought for a moment and whispered, "I don't know, but I feel that I've come this far, and there should be a conclusion. Young Master..." She reached out and touched her face, murmuring, "It hurts a lot."

Xie Heng's heart trembled; he suddenly regretted asking these questions.

He reached out and took Luo Wanqing's hand in his. "It was my fault for making you think about unhappy things. Let's talk about something joyful instead. When all of this is over, what do you plan to do?"

"Lord?"

Luo Wanqing asked curiously, "What does Lord plan to do?"

"I want to stay by your side," Xie Heng said with a smile, thinking about the future. "I want to introduce you to my father and have a meal with him. I also want to introduce you to my family members one by one. Then, I'll help you find your family. You must miss them."

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng, her eyes filled with tenderness. Xie Heng continued, "Oh, I also want to go to Yangzhou with you. We can reclaim the Luo Residence and eat tofu pudding together. We can raise some cats and brew a few jars of wine. Every year, we'll brew another jar, and when we're old, we'll drink one jar each year."

Xie Heng had many scattered wishes, which he murmured softly. After a while, he lowered his gaze and held Luo Wanqing's hand gently. "I want to make up for these six years. Xiniang..."

He stubbornly called her by the name that belonged to him, somewhat regretfully: "If only you had taken me away from the bamboo forest back then."

"At that time, I couldn't take you away," Luo Wanqing replied honestly, squeezing his hand. "But now, haven't I taken you away?"

She didn't take him away from the bamboo forest, but she did rescue him from that dungeon and brought him back to the bamboo forest, where they shared a dream of love and beauty.

Xie Heng smiled, then suddenly remembered something and hurriedly said, "Oh, I almost forgot. Zhang Chunzi visited Xueling Mountain a few days ago. He heard you came to Si Prefecture and wanted to give you a gift."

"Oh?"

Luo Wanqing was curious as she watched Xie Heng pull out a booklet from his sleeve and hand it to her.

Luo Wanqing lowered her head to take the booklet and saw it was a sword manual. She was a bit puzzled, so Xie Heng explained, "He heard you use a sword and practice his techniques, so he decided to pass on his swordsmanship to you. This is what he drew in prison recently. Take a look."

Luo Wanqing found it strange and flipped through a few pages before smiling. "Lord, are you teasing me?"

Xie Heng turned to look at her, confused. Luo Wanqing handed the sword manual back to him and said helplessly, "How is this different from the swordsmanship I already practice?"

Xie Heng was stunned, then took the manual and flipped through a few pages, realizing Luo Wanqing was right.

Luo Wanqing's swordsmanship was taught by Zhang Jiuran, and it was very basic. The current manual was just a more detailed version, but there wasn't much difference.

Xie Heng looked at the manual in surprise. Luo Wanqing sat on the steps and laughed. "Sister Jiuran taught me the basics. Perhaps Senior Zhang just found a basic manual to fool me?"

Xie Heng remained silent, carefully flipping through to the last page. His eyes flickered, and after a moment, he seemed to understand. He chuckled lightly and stuffed the manual into Luo Wanqing's arms. "There's an explanation inside. Zhang Jiuran might be too careless and didn't teach you in enough detail. Take your time to practice it."

Luo Wanqing nodded and put the manual away. "Indeed. The simplest things are often the hardest. I should focus on mastering the basics."

Xie Heng glanced at her with a smile, not saying more. He stood up and offered his hand to Luo Wanqing. "Let's go."

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng's extended hand, raised her head, and thought for a moment. Suddenly, she had a mischievous idea and smiled. "I drank a lot of wine and can barely walk."

"So?" Xie Heng asked, quickly understanding. "I'll carry you?"

Luo Wanqing pursed her lips, pleased.

She let Xie Heng lift her onto his back. As he carried her, he sensed her mood and asked curiously, "Why are you so happy?"

"You're carrying me home."

Luo Wanqing wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder, softly recounting the day's uniqueness. "Today, I didn't get hurt or feel any inconvenience."

They weren't on a mission, free from all the complexities.

He was just like an ordinary lover, carrying her under the moonlight, listening to the gentle river.

The peach blossoms were in full bloom in April, and the night breeze carried petals down. Luo Wanqing's voice was soft. "Husband, carrying me home makes me very happy."

Xie Heng smiled, feeling the petals falling on his heart.

"Xiniang," he suddenly felt hopeful about the future. "When everything is over, let's go to Ling Nan."

"Why?" Luo Wanqing tightened her grip on his shoulders, unable to shake off the memories of the ten years in her dreams.

"It's not a good place," she said hesitantly.

"There's no place that's inherently bad," Xie Heng said gently. "I want to accompany you to every place that frightens you. I know you spent ten years there in your dreams, and I want to see it with you. Maybe it's my arrogance, but I believe that if I'm with you, perhaps... you'll find it a good place?"

Luo Wanqing listened as Xie Heng slowly continued, "We'll go to Ling Nan, the South Sea, Mohe, and Changbai Mountain... We have a long life ahead of us."

Xie Heng laughed. "I never imagined my life could be so long. Now, I can't help but think of all the things we can do. I don't even know where to start."

"But wherever we go, as long as you're with me, it will be wonderful."

Xie Heng spoke without a clear plan, lost in thoughts of their future.

Luo Wanqing leaned against his back, feeling warm and steady. She began to feel drowsy, closing her eyes as he carried her back.

When they arrived at the camp, most people were drunk. Xie Heng carried Luo Wanqing into the tent, undressed her, and gently laid her on the bed.

For some reason, Luo Wanqing started having that long nightmare again.

In the dream, it was snowing in June in Ling Nan. She stood in front of a notice board, listening to others discuss Xie Heng.

She looked at the notice, reading through the list of charges one by one.

Assassination of the Crown Prince.

Falsely accusing The Eastern Palace's Six Armies.

Massacre of five hundred people on Xueling Mountain.

Assassination of Zheng Pingsheng, the Minister of Punishment.

Abusing military power, causing chaos in Si Prefecture.

Plotting the massacre of the entire Zheng clan.

...

And more.

In her dream, she could not see the last two items on the notice clearly.

Those two were written in blood, extremely eye-catching, yet she could not make them out, still could not make them out.

But she realized that these were the key points. No, no.

Her heart was racing, and she frowned in her dream.

Xie Heng saw her unease and raised his hand to light some soothing incense. Then he heard hurried footsteps outside: "Young Master."

Qingya's voice sounded, and Xie Heng lifted the curtain, glancing at Luo Wanqing sleeping in the room before waving his hand.

The two stepped outside the tent, and Xie Heng noticed Qingya's furrowed brows, directly asking, "What happened?"

"News from Xuanshan, Ji Ruifang has awakened. She wants to see Young Master."

Qingya spoke, and Xie Heng nodded, simply saying, "Then have her brought over."

"She is already here."

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng paused, lifting his eyes to look at Qingya, only to notice a woman standing not far away.

She stood in the night, her face hidden in the shadows of her cloak.

Xie Heng stared intently at her. She coughed lightly, then removed her cloak, raising her eyes to reveal her striking features.

"It's been a long time," Ji Ruifang smiled, "Xie Heng."

Author's note:

"Side Scene"

Zheng Qiuhe: "The man beside Lady Luo is handsome and disheveled, surely he is Lady Luo's male favorite. Since Lady Luo enjoys such things, for the sake of our family, I am willing to offer myself."

Xie Heng: "Hmm?"

The Zheng Family: "No! Qiuhe, don't do anything foolish, absolutely not!!"

Luo Wanqing: "So this is the treatment of a Lady? Power is indeed wonderful."