◎I, Your Humble Subject, Accuse Zheng Pingsheng◎

Hearing these words, Li Zong’s face showed astonishment. Luo Wanqing clenched her fists, waves of nausea rising in her heart.

She stared fixedly at Li Guiyu on the stage, clearly understanding his intentions.

Tonight’s dance – if the earlier part was Li Guiyu as a son currying favor and pleasing, then at the moment he requested to marry Luo Wanqing, it became absolute submission to Li Zong.

He was Wang’s son, allied with the Zheng family through marriage. Behind him originally stood the support of the great aristocratic families.

But now, Zheng Biyue was equally his deceased fiancée, yet he proposed to posthumously honor that commoner girl from Jiangnan. This would slap the Zheng family’s face, indicating his break with the Zheng family, or that he simply didn’t care about these aristocratic families’ support. This act also cut off his possibility of marrying another aristocratic family’s daughter, putting Li Zong completely at ease. Last time he had actively made the Wang family yield, incorporating the Eastern Palace’s Six Rate Army into the Northern Four Armies – that was already his attitude. Now Li Zong would be even more satisfied with him.

Secondly, holding such a high position yet willing to disregard everything to seek recognition for a criminal’s daughter also showed his deep loyalty and righteousness. Whether in Li Zong’s eyes or those of court officials and common people, this would be a touching story.

People who valued loyalty and righteousness were always more trusted and beloved. He was using her corpse to once again advance his own path to fame and profit.

If he were seeking to marry Liu Xiniang, that would be different – she was alive, she could speak, she had official position and capability, definitely not someone he could take just by wanting.

But he was seeking to marry Luo Wanqing, a dead person who could not speak.

Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but clench her fists.

Above, Li Zong showed astonishment and couldn’t help saying, “You just want to posthumously honor a criminal’s daughter?”

“Yes.” Li Guiyu replied earnestly, “Though she was a criminal’s daughter, the crime wasn’t hers – it was only due to her father’s involvement. Now that she has passed away, this undeserved crime should also dissipate. Lady Luo and I had deep feelings for each other. I hope Father Emperor will grant this.”

“But if you do this,” Li Zong lightly tapped the table, saying slowly, “it will be difficult to arrange marriages in the future.”

“I can remain unmarried for life, but please allow me to fulfill my promise to Lady Luo.”

At these words, the great hall erupted in discussion, with various comments like “gentleman’s legacy,” “deeply loyal and righteous,” and “imperial succession endangered” reaching her ears. Luo Wanqing stared coldly at Li Guiyu.

Li Guiyu sensed her gaze but didn’t look up.

Xie Heng sat between the two, lightly tapping the table, remaining silent.

Above, Li Zong listened to Li Guiyu’s words and slowly understood. He considered carefully, “Guiyu is still young – words cannot be spoken carelessly. This Lady Luo once saved you from danger, and during your most difficult time, disregarding status differences, she accompanied you for five years with the deepest feelings. In your lifetime, you would indeed find it hard to meet such a girl again.”

Hearing Li Zong’s words, Li Guiyu’s hands unconsciously curled up, his voice hoarse, “Yes.”

Li Zong sighed and nodded, “Your deep feelings and loyalty toward her are human nature. Very well, I permit…”

Before he could finish, Xie Heng was about to speak, “Your Majesty…”

Luo Wanqing heard Xie Heng’s voice and was so startled she yanked his sleeve from behind. Xie Heng’s voice caught, and in that instant, Zhang Yiran’s loud voice of objection suddenly rang through the hall: “Your Majesty, I believe this matter absolutely cannot be permitted!”

These words thundered down like lightning, completely drowning out Xie Heng’s insignificant voice.

Everyone looked toward Zhang Yiran, except Xie Heng who slowly turned back, his cold eyes fixed on Luo Wanqing.

He said nothing, yet the oppressive force descended like Mount Tai.

Luo Wanqing hadn’t felt this sensation for a long time. She calmly lowered her eyes, reminding, “Young Master, this is not something you should interfere with.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng’s expression grew colder. He looked at Luo Wanqing without speaking. Luo Wanqing said calmly, “Young Master, please turn back first.”

Xie Heng curled his fingertips under his sleeves, knowing this wasn’t the time to speak. He forced himself to turn back and look at Zhang Yiran kneeling below.

Zhang Yiran knelt on the ground with everyone’s attention focused on him. Li Zong looked at Zhang Yiran with some confusion, “Minister Zhang? What is this about?”

“Your Majesty,” Zhang Yiran had also acted impulsively. He organized his words slightly, then calmed down and said, “Your Majesty, I believe the Third Prince’s desire to posthumously honor Miss Luo is inappropriate.”

“Why is it inappropriate?” Li Zong asked strangely.

Zhang Yiran took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and said, “Because recently, I learned from my mother that Miss Luo and I had arranged a marriage in childhood. Later, when my father died unexpectedly and my mother moved to the Eastern Capital, we lost contact with the Luo family, so the marriage was never completed.”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu slowly stood up. He turned to look at Zhang Yiran kneeling on the ground, his eyes seeming poisoned, saying coldly, “Minister Zhang, please don’t speak nonsense and ruin people’s reputations.”

“There are still betrothal tokens and Miss Luo’s birth date and time from the engagement at home,” Zhang Yiran spoke calmly and steadily. Thinking of what Li Guiyu had done, he held back his anger and said coldly, “I can immediately send someone to retrieve them. Please investigate, Your Majesty!”

“So what?!”

With Zhang Yiran saying this, Li Guiyu realized this must be true – otherwise, given Zhang Yiran’s character, he wouldn’t say such things.

Though he couldn’t understand why Zhang Yiran and Luo Wanqing would have a childhood engagement, thinking of Zhang Qiuzhi’s death, he knew it wasn’t strange for Zhang Qiuzhi to know Luo Qushu – otherwise, why would he have happened to encounter such an escort from Yangzhou when traveling so far?

Realizing the engagement wasn’t his alone, Li Guiyu clenched his fists. He instinctively glanced at Luo Wanqing sitting calmly behind Xie Heng, knowing this wasn’t the time to lose composure. He immediately adjusted his mood, restraining himself, “Minister Zhang and the young lady only had a childhood engagement, but Lady Luo and I had a proper marriage arranged with three matchmakers and six ceremonies. Even if she bore engagements to two families, mine should take precedence!”

“Though Your Highness is a prince, everything follows the principle of first come, first served,” Zhang Yiran showed no sign of backing down, saying firmly, “Since I was engaged to Miss Luo first, I should naturally honor my promise. If we’re talking about offerings, sacrifices, and burial, she should also enter my Zhang family’s ancestral tomb.”

“You dare!”

Li Guiyu couldn’t help but shout angrily. Xie Heng seemed unable to watch anymore and turned to summon Zhuque.

Luo Wanqing glanced at Xie Heng and saw him whisper something to Zhuque in a low voice. His voice should have been deliberately projected, but at such close distance, she heard nothing.

Zhuque nodded and left. Xie Heng rotated the jade thumb ring on his finger, coldly watching the dispute in the great hall.

Li Guiyu finally showed signs of losing composure. He forced himself to suppress the urge to kill, staring at Zhang Yiran and speaking urgently, “Childhood engagements are just jokes. Marriage matters require mutual consent. The young lady never even met you – how dare you say she was willing to marry you? Why must you force apart a destined marriage?”

“Then does Your Highness dare say Miss Luo was willing to marry you?”

“If not?” Li Guiyu’s heart beat slightly faster, but he still said, “She and I knew each other for five years and were known throughout Jiangnan as a divine couple. If she weren’t willing to marry me, how would she have gotten engaged to me? My engagement with her had her consent, unlike your mere jest.”

“But people’s hearts can change. Did Miss Luo know Your Highness would become what you are today?”

“My heart toward the young lady has always been constant.”

“The same constancy that had the Ministry of Rites discussing engagement procedures with Miss Zheng just months after Miss Luo’s death?”

At these words, Li Guiyu’s voice instantly stopped.

The two confronted each other without yielding an inch. After a moment, Li Guiyu laughed, “So Minister Zhang is seeking justice for the young lady?”

“Yes.”

Zhang Yiran replied calmly, then turned to look at Li Zong above, “Your Majesty, do you think I should seek this justice?”

“This…”

Li Zong glanced at Li Guiyu, who was tensing his body and seemed to be restraining himself with great effort, and said consideringly, “The matter between Guiyu and Biyue truly isn’t as Minister Zhang thinks. The Ministry of Rites’ marriage discussion was arranged by me. Guiyu indeed told me he had no such intention – it was only because I thought of Biyue waiting for years that I couldn’t say Guiyu was heartless and fickle.”

These words took all the blame upon himself, protecting Li Guiyu to the extreme.

Li Guiyu seemed aggrieved, kneeling on the ground, his voice hoarse, “Father Emperor…”

Seeing Li Guiyu’s expression, everyone felt sympathetic and couldn’t help but feel pity.

Only Zhang Yiran knelt in place. Hearing Li Zong’s words, he knew Li Zong was determined to grant Li Guiyu the marriage.

His face showed mockery as he chuckled, “Your Majesty believes the Third Prince has deep feelings and loyalty toward Miss Luo, so Your Majesty is fulfilling a destined marriage?”

Zhang Yiran’s tone was too mocking. Li Zong couldn’t help but frown, saying displeasedly, “Zhang Yiran, what are you trying to say?”

“I want to seek justice for Miss Luo!”

Zhang Yiran raised his voice.

Hearing this, Li Zong finally flew into a rage, violently overturning the tea cup beside him and roaring, “Guiyu is a prince of the imperial family. He arranged marriage with Lady Luo out of gratitude for saving his life. Now he’s willing to disregard status and welcome her into our Li family – what justice do you still want? Zhang Yiran, I think you’re contemptuous of your sovereign and have turned rebellious! If you say one more word today, do you believe I’ll have you beheaded?!”

At these words, the entire hall fell silent.

Luo Wanqing sensed Li Zong’s fury and her heart raced. She used her eyes to signal Zhang Yiran not to continue.

However, Zhang Yiran knelt motionless on the ground. The entire hall watched him silently. Seeing his silence, Li Zong gradually calmed down somewhat. Yang Chun brought him a new tea cup.

Just as he came to his senses and felt he had spoken too harshly, planning to ease the hall’s atmosphere, he heard Zhang Yiran suddenly laugh.

Luo Wanqing instinctively felt something was wrong and was about to stand when she saw Zhang Yiran suddenly show an expression of facing death without fear. He raised his hands in salute, kowtowed, and declared loudly, “I, Zhang Yiran, today accuse Minister of Justice Zheng Pingsheng of abusing power for personal gain. To protect his daughter Zheng Biyue’s engagement with the Third Prince, he falsely accused the Luo family of selling illegal salt, forcing Luo Qushu to commit suicide in prison, causing his wife Yao Zelan, daughter Luo Wanqing, son Luo Shangchun, daughter-in-law Su Hui, and granddaughter Luo Wenshui to all perish during exile!”

At these words, all court officials were shocked.

Luo Wanqing froze where she was.

Her mind became extremely chaotic in an instant.

Too early.

Jiqing hadn’t decided to testify at all. They had no decisive evidence. Zhang Yiran’s accusation was too premature.

However, once Zhang Yiran started, he didn’t stop. He seemed to have been holding back for a long time, his tone becoming increasingly impassioned: “The Luo family’s three generations of blood debt all stem from the Third Prince. Whether the Third Prince is connected to this case remains unknown. Your Majesty cannot rashly arrange this marriage, lest Miss Luo’s departed soul still have to submit to her enemy…”

“How dare you!”

Hearing this, Zheng Pingsheng finally reacted. He slammed the table and stood up, cursing angrily, “You yellow-mouthed child, how dare you so distort black and white? Your Majesty,” Zheng Pingsheng excitedly stepped forward, “This old minister has served loyally, always enforcing the law impartially and speaking cautiously. Today I suffer such public slander from Zhang Yiran. Please, Your Majesty, provide justice! Otherwise, this old minister would rather hang up his cap and retire to prove my innocence!”

“Elder Zheng!”

Hearing this, court officials stood up one after another, saying urgently, “Elder Zheng, you cannot.”

Nearby, Wang Shenfeng also stood up, supporting Zheng Pingsheng, “Old Zheng, His Majesty hasn’t said anything yet. Don’t be so agitated.”

People above tried to persuade Zheng Pingsheng, leaving only Zhang Yiran kneeling on the ground. Around him, people discussed among themselves. He watched the coordinated performance of those on the high platform coldly, seeing how they were about to downplay this matter. Unwilling to accept this, he raised his voice: “If Minister Zheng has a clear conscience, why be so agitated?”

“Are your words true?”

Just as his voice fell, Li Guiyu’s voice rang out. Everyone looked over and saw Li Guiyu standing in the high place, looking at Zhang Yiran, his voice trembling, “You say Luo Qushu was wrongly accused by Minister Zheng – are these words true?!”

“Absolutely true.” Zhang Yiran realized what was happening. Though he couldn’t understand what Li Guiyu intended to do, he still straightened his neck and said firmly, “Based on the evidence I found in Jiangnan, Luo Qushu was clearly an innocent citizen. How he was framed as a salt merchant, Minister Zheng cannot escape responsibility.”

“Good,” Li Guiyu nodded, seeming to reach the extreme of anger. He looked up at Zheng Pingsheng, “Very good. If this is true… then I thank Minister Zhang.”

With that, Li Guiyu turned around, kowtowed, and declared loudly, “Please, Father Emperor, let me thoroughly investigate this case. If Minister Zheng truly perverted the law for personal gain, I will definitely restore the Luo family’s innocence!”

“Impossible!” Zhang Yiran immediately reacted, saying urgently, “Your Majesty, this case was discovered by your humble servant, so it should be handled by your humble servant from start to finish. If Your Highness takes over the case midway, not to mention Your Highness has never had experience handling cases, Your Highness is also unfamiliar with the evidence and procedures of this case. Since we’re going to handle it, one person should see one case through to the end. Please let your humble servant investigate this case to its conclusion, restore the Luo family’s innocence, and demonstrate Your Majesty’s glorious reputation!”

“You’re being absurd! Making accusations with empty words and slandering others – Your Majesty, please provide justice for this old minister!”

Hearing this, Zheng Pingsheng cried out and knelt down again.

For a moment, the entire hall was in chaos – those fighting for the case fought for the case, those crying injustice cried injustice.

“This old minister has been loyal and devoted. If Your Majesty suspects me today, I might as well dash my head against the wall and die…”

“Father Emperor, if this case is true, this is your son’s personal vendetta. Please give me a chance to personally investigate the case, otherwise your son will never find peace…”

“Your Majesty, the Third Prince is too deeply involved in this case and shouldn’t handle it…”

“Father Emperor…”

“Your Majesty…”

“Your Majesty…”

Amid the chaos, a young man behind Zheng Pingsheng’s seat quietly stood up.

This young man had been hidden in the shadows, and only when he stood did Luo Wanqing notice someone was there.

This person was tall and stern-looking – by rights, he shouldn’t be someone easily overlooked, yet Luo Wanqing somehow hadn’t noticed him earlier.

This realization made Luo Wanqing’s heart turn cold. She watched the direction he was heading, instinctively sensing danger, and immediately stood up to follow.

The two moved through the dark passages behind the crowd at similar speeds, both approaching Zhang Yiran.

The other’s gaze remained fixed on Zhang Yiran as he approached quickly. Zhang Yiran remained completely unaware of the approaching danger, still calmly saying, “Your Majesty, this case was discovered by your humble servant during inspection in Jiangnan. Your humble servant has verified the original confessions and witnesses, gathered evidence from multiple sources, and basically confirmed that Minister Zheng cannot escape responsibility for this matter. Your humble servant is extremely familiar with this case. Having the Third Prince handle it is completely unnecessary…”

Before he could finish, the young man had reached him. He suddenly exploded into action, lunging from the crowd and throwing a vicious punch at Zhang Yiran!

The moment the young man struck, Luo Wanqing simultaneously leaped out, pulling Zhang Yiran behind her and catching the opponent’s fist just as it was about to land.

The tremendous force instantly flooded Luo Wanqing’s palm. She felt bone-cracking pain surge from her palm. She angrily raised her eyes, clearly knowing that if this punch had landed on Zhang Yiran, he would probably be dead now.

This person intended to kill Zhang Yiran.

He actually wanted to kill a censor in the great hall, in front of everyone!

Luo Wanqing’s anger flared. Zhang Yiran was stunned in place. The young man gave her no time to react, raising his hand with palm-wind like a blade, striking directly at her throat.

Luo Wanqing raised her hand to block, then began fighting the opponent while protecting Zhang Yiran.

Only then did Li Zong react, shouting angrily, “You rebels! Guards!”

With that, guards rushed in rapidly. The opposing young man paid no heed, his eyes fixed on Luo Wanqing’s face, every move a killing blow.

Luo Wanqing’s heart suddenly had a vague sense of the attacker’s identity. Before she could say more, she heard from the high platform Xie Heng’s ice-cold voice calling out: “Zheng Bikui.”

This call was like the King of Hell demanding a life. Everyone instinctively looked over, then froze.

They saw Xie Heng standing on the high platform, somehow holding a longbow in his hands.

The bowstring was drawn to its limit, the arrow gleaming coldly in the lamplight. He wore black robes with gold thread embroidered with sun, moon, mountains, and rivers, his golden crown inlaid with jade resembling the brilliant heavens.

His expression was very calm, the arrow aimed directly at Zheng Bikui’s head, his eyes looking at him as if viewing a dead man, so calm it was chilling.

No one dared move, including Zheng Bikui.

The moment Xie Heng drew the bow, no one could judge whether he would shoot this arrow.

After all, years ago, when the Supervision Department was first established, he had killed countless high officials and nobles in just this manner – without warning, cold and calm.

The Supervision Department was built on blood and corpses. Over the years, people had somewhat forgotten, but the moment Xie Heng drew his bow, the nightmare suddenly enveloped the entire court nobility again.

This was the sharpest blade in Li Zong’s hand, always drawing blood when unsheathed, with none surviving his arrows.

His gaze locked on Zheng Bikui. Under his stare, Zheng Bikui’s muscles tensed, not daring to move at all.

When Zheng Daochu died, that pool of blood appeared again. The fear of death enveloped him. He told himself repeatedly that Xie Heng wouldn’t dare shoot this arrow, but he couldn’t be certain at all.

This was Xie Heng – the one who had killed Zheng Daochu, who had killed countless high officials and nobles.

The two stared at each other silently. Zheng Bikui felt as if he had lived through a lifetime. His heart raced, breathing rapidly as he faced off with Xie Heng above.

After a long time, Xie Heng’s ice-cold voice came from above: “Kneel.”

Zheng Bikui didn’t move. He wanted to gamble – to bet that Xie Heng wouldn’t dare kill him.

Even hesitating for half a moment would be good.

However, the moment he hesitated, Xie Heng aimed at his face and released the arrow without hesitation!

Zheng Bikui’s pupils contracted sharply. Zheng Pingsheng cried out excitedly, “My son!”

Zheng Bikui made no sound. He watched the arrow coming, aimed straight at his face. At this moment, Xie Heng had already nocked a second arrow. He couldn’t dodge – no matter where he moved, Xie Heng’s second arrow would follow.

Except kneeling-only kneeling!

In just an instant of standoff, as the arrow reached Zheng Bikui, he finally couldn’t hold out any longer and went soft at the knees!

The feathered arrow barely grazed his hair ornament, shattering it instantly. The arrow pierced through the window behind him and flew out of the hall. Zheng Bikui’s hair fell loose, and he knelt heavily on the floor.

In that life-and-death moment, his heart nearly leaped out. He could only kneel on the ground, breathing heavily.

But he knew he had lost. Kneeling before everyone again elevated Xie Heng’s supreme authority once more.

Xie Heng had intended to kill him – he dared to kill him!

Zheng Bikui silently clenched his fists. Above, Xie Heng glanced at him coldly. Seeing him kneel, Xie Heng placed the bow on the tray held by Zhuque behind him, turned to bow to Li Zong.

He said nothing. After shooting that shocking arrow, he acted as if nothing had happened, sitting back down, leaving the entire hall in shock.

Zheng Pingsheng belatedly reacted, shouting in alarm, “Xie Heng, what are you doing?! You brought private soldiers into the hall and tried to shoot an official in the court – are you attempting to…”

Before he could finish, Zheng Pingsheng suddenly realized something and hurriedly stopped.

Compared to Xie Heng shooting Zheng Bikui, Zheng Bikui was the one who truly intended to kill an official in the hall.

If Xie Heng bringing private soldiers into the hall to shoot Zheng Bikui counted as treason, then Zheng Bikui was even more unforgivable.

And Xie Heng bringing private soldiers into the hall had always been his and Yang Chun’s privilege – it was just that Xie Heng had never exercised this privilege in all these years. Until today, when Zheng Bikui acted…

No matter how one calculated it, this was Xie Heng protecting his sovereign, far more righteous than Zheng Bikui.

Seeing his realization, Xie Heng glanced at him, then said quietly, “Your Majesty, have Young Master Zheng taken away first and deal with him tomorrow.”

This suggestion pleased Li Zong greatly. He nodded, “Heng’er speaks correctly. Today is the Lantern Festival – let’s not disturb people’s mood. Take Bikui away first.” Li Zong seemed somewhat troubled, glancing at Li Guiyu and Zhang Yiran on the ground, then said, “As for the case Zhang Yiran mentioned…”

Li Zong pondered, momentarily unable to decide.

With so many people watching, if he ignored it, it would damage imperial dignity, and aristocratic families would become even more arrogant in the future.

But if he handled it…

Could he punish Zheng Pingsheng for an ordinary commoner?

Li Zong knew for the first time why people in court found Zhang Yiran so troublesome, yet he also understood that if Zhang Yiran didn’t have this character, how would he value him?

He thought for a moment, finding it difficult to decide, and turned to look at Xie Heng, saying consideringly, “Heng’er has always been skilled at handling cases. What does Heng’er think about this case?”

“Since Minister Zhang brought it up, we should investigate. Tonight, the Supervision Department will clarify the situation.” Xie Heng’s tone was bland, his expression unreadable, but his words were fewer than usual as he said directly, “Your Majesty can then decide.”

This meant delaying the case overnight, giving Li Zong time to think.

Li Zong looked at him with satisfaction and nodded, “Good. Let’s handle it this way. I feel at ease with Heng’er investigating first.”

With that, Li Zong seemed somewhat weary, then supported by Yang Chun, he stood up, “Very well, I’m somewhat tired today. I’ll retire first. Everyone continue – don’t let this disturb your mood.”

Li Zong stepped down from the golden throne. Everyone knelt in worship. As he passed Xie Heng, Li Zong said quietly, “Come to the imperial study later.”

Xie Heng responded quietly and escorted Li Zong away.

After Li Zong left, everyone immediately began discussing in low voices.

People consciously and unconsciously glanced at Xie Heng quietly, speculating whether he had intended to kill Zheng Bikui earlier.

Xie Heng paid no attention to their stares, only looking from the high platform toward Luo Wanqing, who had just helped Zhang Yiran back to his seat, then led Zhuque down from the platform.

Zhang Yiran still hadn’t recovered and was somewhat dazed. He said incredulously, “Did he just try to kill me?”

Luo Wanqing remained silent, sighing, “Minister Zhang, you cannot be so rash in the future.”

“Zheng Bikui actually dared to try to kill me in the great hall,” Zhang Yiran murmured, “and he can still be so rash?”

Luo Wanqing hadn’t expected his thought process to be like this. Just as she was about to advise him, she smelled the familiar pine fragrance approaching from behind.

Xie Heng kept his hands tucked in his sleeves, leading Zhuque as he walked past Luo Wanqing from behind, bringing waves of coolness.

Luo Wanqing instinctively turned back and saw Xie Heng walking outward as if he hadn’t seen her at all.

Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but be startled. She quickly caught Zhuque, saying quietly, “What is Young Master going to do?”

“His Majesty summoned him.”

Zhuque answered honestly, somewhat puzzled, “What’s wrong?”

Luo Wanqing paused, immediately saying, “Zhuque Envoy, please help me protect Minister Zhang. I’ll follow Young Master.”

With that, Luo Wanqing released Zhuque and hurried to catch up.

Xie Heng’s pace remained constant, showing no intention of stopping for her. Luo Wanqing hurriedly followed behind Xie Heng, saying urgently, “Young Master is going to see His Majesty?”

Xie Heng didn’t respond, leading her into a side hall courtyard toward the imperial study.

Luo Wanqing knew he was angry and quickly instructed, “I know Young Master is angry, but please calm down first. When His Majesty asks later, please don’t comment on the Luo Wanqing matter…”

“Why not?”

Xie Heng seemed to be restraining his emotions with great effort, saying coldly, “Xiniang, if he truly grants the posthumous title of Princess to Luo Wanqing today, then whenever you return to Luo Wanqing’s identity in the future, you would be Princess Guang’an. This isn’t a small matter – appropriate costs can be paid.”

“I know.” Luo Wanqing calmly lowered her eyes, following Xie Heng, “But it’s not a big deal either. I can be Liu Xiniang for life. Luo Wanqing… let’s just pretend she doesn’t exist.”

“Then who are you?” Xie Heng asked coldly, gripping the lamp pole tightly, unable to help saying, “And who is Zhang Yiran fighting for? If you think this isn’t important, why didn’t you stop Zhang Yiran but stop me?”

This question startled Luo Wanqing. Xie Heng reminded her, “When Zhang Yiran spoke, you could have stopped him.”

Luo Wanqing fell silent. She knew Xie Heng was right. When Zhang Yiran first spoke, she could have found a way to have Xie Heng interrupt him.

She wasn’t unconcerned about being posthumously titled as Li Guiyu’s wife. She just…

“It’s not appropriate for Young Master to intervene.”

She spoke truthfully. Xie Heng instantly felt those suppressed bitter feelings surge up.

He had expected this result long ago, yet he had to make her say it.

But she was right, too – who could he blame?

They had met too late. When they encountered each other, they no longer had elders. They were just two people embracing each other in desperate circumstances – where was there time for the three letters and six ceremonies?

Why did she pull him back but not Zhang Yiran?

Because even Zhang Yiran was more legitimate than him.

He felt somewhat uncomfortable for a moment but couldn’t speak, only forcing down those churning, rolling feelings of sourness, saying quietly, “I understand. You go back first. Tonight, take Zhang Yiran to the Supervision Department and have Zhuque wait for me at the imperial study.”

Seeing Xie Heng calm down, Luo Wanqing felt relieved.

As long as Xie Heng remained calm, no one could do anything to him.

Luo Wanqing nodded, thinking of Zhang Yiran’s situation, and immediately said, “Then I’ll go back first.”

Xie Heng remained silent. He watched her turn away without hesitation, and the unwillingness in his heart instantly expanded.

She was always like this – when leaving, without hesitation, clean and decisive, never giving him an extra glance.

In the past, when he was Cui Heng, she wouldn’t have been so decisive, but from the moment she learned his identity, she had been acting hastily.

He was unwilling to accept this.

The thought surfaced instantly.

He suddenly grabbed her. Wanqing instinctively turned back, and the moment she turned, Xie Heng forcefully pushed her into the room.

The lantern crashed to the ground, the flames struggling and jumping on the floor for a few moments before extinguishing.

The side hall was overgrown with weeds, silent and empty. Moonlight made the courtyard exceptionally bright, making the room seem even darker.

He pressed her against the window lattice, gripping her chin to force her to look up, conquering her mouth with the same intensity as when he was unconscious in the bamboo forest, stirring until she could barely swallow or speak.

In the distance were the voices of palace maids talking, yet inside the room was silent except for the sounds of water and breathing.

He gradually stole her air. Luo Wanqing’s fingers gripping the window frame couldn’t help but tighten. She felt as if she were being coiled by a python, her consciousness gradually scattering under the lack of oxygen.

She forced herself to stay calm, alertly listening to the sounds around them. Xie Heng pressed closer step by step while she never retreated an inch.

The intimate encounter seemed like a silent confrontation. Both their breathing grew heavier. Xie Heng became increasingly excessive while Luo Wanqing remained divided, observing their surroundings. Just as Xie Heng reached for her belt, Luo Wanqing suddenly pressed down on his hand, her voice hoarse but her tone very calm: “Young Master, let’s wait until we return.”

Xie Heng’s movements froze. He rested his head against Luo Wanqing’s shoulder. Hearing her speak as if she had never entered this intimate moment, calmly advising him, “His Majesty is still waiting for you. Compose yourself – don’t let anyone notice.”

Xie Heng said nothing, quietly leaning against her shoulder.

He suddenly wanted to ask if she felt that at this moment he was just a beast in heat, that he only wanted that bit of carnal desire, ugly and disgusting enough to make her feel repulsed, yet she had to cope with it.

He also wanted to ask if she and Jiang Shaoyan had been like this in the past – only one person impulsive and awkward, while she remained cold and self-controlled.

But he found it somewhat difficult to ask. Compared to the person in front of him, who was still observing their surroundings, he appeared too disheveled.

He gradually calmed down in the silence, finally restraining all his emotions and standing up.

Luo Wanqing saw his movement and turned to look, asking curiously, “Young Master?”

Xie Heng didn’t speak. He lowered his gaze to her hand, thought for a moment, then took her hand that had caught Zheng Bikui’s punch, examining it: “Does your hand still hurt?”

Luo Wanqing shook her head slightly. Xie Heng pressed down, and Luo Wanqing’s muscles tensed somewhat.

Xie Heng glanced at her and knew the result. He took out a handkerchief from his sleeve, binding and securing her palm bones: “There might be bone fractures. Get medicine when you return…”

Before he finished speaking, Xie Heng seemed to remember something. He looked at the square cloth wrapped around her hand, was silent for a moment, then removed the cloth and put it back in his sleeve, saying as if suppressing something, “Go find Wei Qianqiu when you return.”

Luo Wanqing was startled, then saw him turn away, bend down to pick up the lantern from the ground, and say quietly, “I’ll handle the rest. I’ll return late tonight – Xiniang needn’t wait for me. Go back and sleep.”

As he spoke, standing at the doorway, he paused, then added softly, “I’m sorry.”

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng in surprise. Xie Heng bowed in salute, then, carrying the extinguished palace lantern, turned and left.

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Xie Heng: “I’m at least the legitimate eldest son of a proper family – how can you make me be your kept man without name or status?!”

Luo Wanqing: “This is temporary. Bear with it. When I’m successful, I’ll come marry you.”

Xie Heng: “How long do you want me to endure?!”

Luo Wanqing: “Until I’m successful…”

Xie Heng: “…Would you marry a little husband when you’re successful?”

Luo Wanqing: “How could I? Am I that kind of person?”

Xie Heng: “Pretty much.”

Luo Wanqing: “…”

Xie Heng: “Someone like you who sleeps with me but won’t give me status, takes me to meet your ex-boyfriend, and tries to hide me – I find it hard to believe your sincerity. You look like the type who’d marry eight men after becoming successful.”

Luo Wanqing: “The way you describe it makes me look forward to it…”