◎Sweet Ten Days◎

Someone once asked him if he knew what mandala incense tasted like.

It was ultimate pleasure, lucid depravity, knowing it was impossible yet doing it anyway, fighting for what shouldn’t be obtained.

Knowing he would lose it, yet still indulging in that moment of unbridled enjoyment, only to taste the most bitter suffering in the world during withdrawal.

When Xie Heng opened his eyes in the early morning and saw the person leaning against his chest, he inexplicably recalled what Zhang Chunzi had said to him that year in the heavenly prison when he was inhaling mandala incense.

“Little Xie, you’re happy today, but you’ll have your share of suffering in the future.”

Back then he could still say he was forced by others, but how could he defend himself today?

Xie Heng smiled self-mockingly, lifting his hand to twirl a strand of her hair around his finger, secretly feeling grateful in his heart.

Fortunately, she had only learned to use her hands from medical books.

Her technique still wasn’t very good.

Xie Heng waited on the bed for a while.

Luo Wanqing slept drowsily, vaguely feeling someone watching her. She opened her eyes in a daze, and was immediately greeted by Xie Heng’s stunningly beautiful face.

Seeing this face, Luo Wanqing’s breathing involuntarily caught, until she saw the smiling eyes and realized this was Cui Heng.

She breathed a sigh of relief, and Cui Heng couldn’t help but laugh: “What kind of expression is that?”

“I wasn’t fully awake in the morning and was startled by your face.”

Luo Wanqing shook her head to clear it a bit.

Xie Heng raised an eyebrow and couldn’t help but say: “Is my face that ugly?”

“Frightening.”

Luo Wanqing spoke honestly, getting up from bed to pour water. Drinking the water, she said: “Who in the Supervision Department wouldn’t be scared half to death sleeping in the same bed as your face?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng chuckled softly, shaking his head: “Women.”

Just as he finished speaking, Xing Ling’s respectful voice came from outside: “Young Master Xie, people from Flowing Wind Island have come to inspect.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng exchanged glances. The two quickly got up to wash and change clothes. Luo Wanqing hurriedly prepared to go out, but was pulled back by Xie Heng.

Luo Wanqing looked up puzzledly, and heard Xie Heng lower his voice to remind her: “Don’t reveal my identity when we go out, we still need to continue this act.”

“I know.”

Luo Wanqing immediately became serious and agreed.

Xie Heng lowered his eyes to look at her, but didn’t let go. Luo Wanqing looked up puzzledly, seeing those eyes that were similar to Xie Heng’s but dark and unclear, and hesitantly continued the act with him: “Young Master?”

Hearing her call him this, Xie Heng couldn’t help but be moved. He lowered his head to kiss her, and while she was still in a daze, he opened the door and said coolly: “Let’s go.”

Luo Wanqing stood bewildered at the door, only then realizing – wasn’t it agreed they would continue acting? Why did Xie Heng kiss her at the door?

Luo Wanqing silently cursed Cui Heng for being unprofessional, composed herself, and quickly followed.

Upon leaving, she saw Qinglu standing at the door, leading a group of maidservants with a cold expression. Seeing the two of them come out, Qinglu smiled mockingly and said coldly: “You two just arrived on the island last night and had the energy to fool around until now – that’s quite a skill.”

At these words, the maidservants all lowered their heads and laughed.

Luo Wanqing knew this was how Qinglu normally acted on Flowing Wind Island – she was just pretending in front of these maidservants that she had no relationship with them. But being called out so directly, she still felt somewhat guilty. Though she tried to appear composed on the surface, her snow-white complexion couldn’t help but show a few traces of a rosy blush.

Cui Heng had originally been sitting drinking tea, but when he glanced at the color on Luo Wanqing’s face, his expression immediately became serious, and his gaze toward Xie Heng became meaningful.

The maidservants chuckled softly, but Qinglu’s cold eyes swept over them, and she lightly scolded: “Stop laughing.”

The maidservants quickly fell silent. Qinglu turned to look at the four people and said coldly, “Since everyone is here, I’ll explain the rules once. It’s not easy to get onto Flowing Wind Island. I know most of you are injured, so to let everyone recover properly and avoid seeking revenge, for the first ten days after arriving on Flowing Wind Island, starting today, no one may leave their quarters. After ten days, someone will come to lift the restriction and lead you all to receive your positions on Flowing Wind Island, after which you’ll live on the island. Do you understand?”

“Understood.”

Everyone replied together. Qinglu glanced at Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling, then continued: “Recently, we’re looking to select a personal maidservant. Personal maidservants have a high status on Flowing Wind Island. Seeing that you two ladies are beautiful, after ten days, you might consider applying with Steward Xie Qing. Our island master is much better than these two gentlemen.”

“How can you talk like that?” Cui Heng immediately stood up in dissatisfaction upon hearing this. “What’s wrong with me and my brother? We’re handsome, young, and in good health!”

“If you’re in such good health, go be a guard,” Qinglu mocked. “You can even protect your wives’ advancement, wearing those green hats a bit faster, eh?”

At these words, all the maidservants laughed.

Cui Heng immediately said: “You woman…”

“Enough, enough.”

Luo Wanqing quickly pretended to mediate, stepping forward to restrain Cui Heng. Xing Ling also followed to help restrain him.

Cui Heng pretended to want to hit Qinglu, but Qinglu paid no attention and turned to leave: “Let’s go.”

With that, Qinglu led the group of maidservants away.

After these maidservants left, everyone relaxed and stopped acting. Only after hearing them walk far away did Cui Heng say, “Qinglu is a good person.”

Hearing this, Xing Ling looked over coldly. Cui Heng turned his head: “Ling Ling, she said you’re my wife!”

“Shut up.”

Xing Ling couldn’t bear it and turned her head away.

Luo Wanqing pondered Qinglu’s earlier words, then turned to look at Xie Heng, who had found a chair to sit and think, and respectfully asked: “Young Master, what should we do next?”

“First, recover from our injuries.”

Xie Heng considered carefully: “From Qinglu’s words, we can confirm several points. First, the maidservant selection is in ten days when we apply with Xie Qing – we need to wait until then. Second, Cui Daren and I will apply to be guards, which will give us more opportunities to help you participate in the maidservant selection. Third, during these ten days, all new arrivals are confined to their quarters. We can’t do anything, and neither can anyone else. This is a perfect opportunity for us to recover from our injuries. Everything else can wait until after ten days.”

“How do we eat, drink, and handle other needs?” Cui Heng asked a very practical question.

Just as he finished asking, there was a knock at the door, and a man with a northwestern accent called loudly: “Meal time.”

Cui Heng realized: “Oh, they deliver meals.”

Xing Ling heard this and volunteered to open the door and get the food.

Cui Heng turned to look at Xie Heng, tapping the table: “Did you catch that?”

“Northwestern accent.”

Xie Heng spoke, and the two exchanged glances, understanding each other’s meaning.

Xing Ling brought the food in, everyone ate together, and after finishing, Cui Heng voluntarily brought out two sets of chess pieces, approaching with barely contained excitement: “Chief Xie, shall we have a match?”

Xie Heng glanced at him lightly, knowing he had something to say, and agreed: “Mm.”

He then turned to instruct Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling: “You two should meditate and circulate your qi properly. Don’t waste this time.”

Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling bowed their heads in agreement. This was indeed their plan, so they went back to their room to meditate together.

Xie Heng followed Cui Heng into the room. As soon as they entered, Cui Heng reached out to touch his mask, but Xie Heng impatiently blocked him and said coolly, “If you have something to say, say it.”

“Could you show a little more respect to your elder brother?” Cui Heng said in a voice only the two of them could hear, “I lent you my mask last night, and today you’re crossing the river and tearing down the bridge?”

“You usually hide behind my face with that mask, and you still dare to lecture me?”

Xie Heng’s cold eyes swept over him. Cui Heng smiled mockingly, quite arrogantly: “Without my mask, could you have had such a good time last night?”

“Watch your words.”

Xie Heng’s tone carried a warning.

Last night, Xie Heng knew that Luo Wanqing would guess he was Cui Heng. He also knew that Cui Heng and Xuan Shan usually wore masks of his face to facilitate acting in special situations, so he borrowed Cui Heng’s mask to put on his face, thus managing to fool Luo Wanqing.

His relationship with Luo Wanqing had progressed, which couldn’t escape Cui Heng’s notice, but he didn’t like others gossiping about it.

Cui Heng knew his temperament, shrugged and said nothing, went to pour tea and brought Xie Heng a cup, unable to resist saying: “She never suspected you?”

“She suspected many times.”

Xie Heng took the tea and drank a sip: “Every time she suspected, I dispelled it once.”

Cui Heng paused, then couldn’t help but say: “You can’t deceive her for a lifetime.”

Xie Heng remained silent.

Cui Heng considered carefully and suggested, “Ling Shu, you and I are different. You can choose.”

“There’s no difference.” Xie Heng spoke, placing his cup on the table and looking up at Cui Heng. “Elder brother, in this game, we’re no different.”

“Ling Shu…” Cui Heng’s tone was helpless.

“Moreover,” Xie Heng lowered his eyes, “the important people around me are all hostages in His Majesty’s eyes. Her family is still alive, and her feelings for me aren’t that deep – it’s just that I’m good to her, a fledgling’s attachment, gratitude, and concern. Rather than becoming a hostage, it would be better to wait for her family’s grievances to be cleared in the future, for her to find her path. That would be better for her.”

“But you’ve already slept in the same room with her…”

“I won’t leave any traces on her.”

Xie Heng interrupted Cui Heng. Cui Heng was stunned, then heard Xie Heng say calmly: “I won’t have any impact on her future. Cui Heng was just a beautiful dream for me. If she’s willing, I’ll accompany her. If she’s not, I’ll leave. In the future when she marries and has children, no one will know of Cui Heng’s existence.”

“Like this…” Cui Heng smiled bitterly, only saying, “As long as you’ve thought it through. Then, when we go back… go back and reimburse me for this mask,” Cui Heng forced lightness, “this thing isn’t cheap.”

“Mm.”

“Then…” Cui Heng’s smile was still somewhat strained, but he still tried to say, “Since you can be together, make the most of the time you have together.”

“Ling Shu understands. Elder brother as well.”

With these words, Cui Heng also fell silent.

Every sentence Xie Heng spoke was extremely lucid, which left Cui Heng not knowing how to respond.

The two were quiet for a long time before Cui Heng finally sighed: “Alright, you should go back.”

Xie Heng nodded and turned to leave.

But after just two steps, Cui Heng still called out unwillingly: “What if—”

Xie Heng turned back, and Cui Heng considered his words: “What if it’s not just gratitude for her, and she’d be very sad if you left?”

“Elder brother knows my temperament,” Xie Heng looked at Cui Heng calmly, speaking clearly, “As Cui Heng, I can be accommodating, but Xie Heng’s feelings never compromise.”

“What do you mean?” Cui Heng frowned, not understanding.

Xie Heng smiled bitterly and said softly, “Li Guiyu will always be the most important in her heart.”

Cui Heng was stunned and couldn’t help but ask: “What if she could let go?”

Xie Heng didn’t speak. In that moment, he thought of the bet from last night.

He suddenly missed Luo Wanqing very much. Lowering his head with a smile, he turned and said: “I’m leaving.”

Xie Heng turned and went back, knocking before entering the room to see the two girls meditating.

Seeing him enter, Xing Ling bowed and then left the room.

Luo Wanqing looked up with confusion: “Weren’t you going to play chess?”

“His terrible chess – what’s good about playing that?”

Xie Heng walked into the room, approaching Luo Wanqing’s side. He flicked his robes and sat down, taking a tea bowl from nearby and holding it in his hands, looking at Luo Wanqing with a smile: “Beautiful scenery and pleasant weather – of course, I should properly accompany the Chief. I didn’t come to Jiangnan to be their workhorse.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing knew he was hinting that he had come to Jiangnan for her.

She couldn’t help but glance at him: “Didn’t you come to Jiangnan on a mission?”

Hearing this, Cui Heng snorted lightly and only said, “If you weren’t here, could they have invited me?”

As he spoke, Cui Heng looked at her with curved eyebrows and a smile, his jest containing three parts sincerity: “Xi Niang, I would only come for you.”

“I know.”

Luo Wanqing was used to knowing he loved to say such sweet words, and didn’t take them seriously.

Glancing at him, she suddenly remembered her wild idea from last night. Taking advantage of Cui Heng having time now, she quickly said: “Guanlan, I want to ask you something.”

Xie Heng looked up and couldn’t help but say, “What question?”

Luo Wanqing saw his response and quickly explained her idea for expanding meridians.

Xie Heng listened to Luo Wanqing’s explanation, seriously considered for a moment, then nodded: “The principle works. But the only problem is, if you do it alone, your true qi might not be enough – it would be very slow.”

Seeing Cui Heng’s approval, Luo Wanqing smiled: “That’s fine, I’ll take it slowly.”

Xie Heng thought for a moment, tapping the table. After a while, he chuckled and looked up at her: “Would you like me to help you?”

Luo Wanqing was stunned, then saw him seem to realize something and change his words: “Oh no, it should be you helping me.”

“What do you mean?”

Luo Wanqing was curious. Xie Heng smiled and stood up, walking toward the bed, guiding Luo Wanqing: “Come up, I’ll explain in detail.”

Luo Wanqing followed Xie Heng onto the bed in confusion, sitting cross-legged. He reached out to take Luo Wanqing’s hand, holding it in his palm, and instructed: “You send your inner force into my body to help nourish my meridians, circulating for one complete cycle, then I’ll send it back to you to help expand your meridians.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing understood his idea. His vital energy was currently damaged, and he needed time to recover on his own. If he could use her inner force to help, the recovery speed would be much faster. But his meridians were extremely broad compared to hers. If her inner force were to nourish his meridians, it would require quite a lot – going out like a river flowing into the sea, returning like an ocean pouring into a clear stream. Then, expanding meridians – why worry about insufficient true qi?

Luo Wanqing thought this idea was wonderful and quickly sat down to try it with him.

This method of cultivating mental techniques was her first time – she relied entirely on Cui Heng’s guidance to practice with him.

When her true qi entered Cui Heng’s body, she only felt tired because the difference in meridian capacity between Cui Heng and herself was too great. It was truly difficult for her to completely nourish his entire body’s meridians.

When it returned, only pain remained.

Fortunately, this pain wasn’t unbearable – she could accept it. But before long, her body began to feel a different kind of sensation.

She was startled by this strange feeling and endured it silently. After completing one full cycle, both she and the person opposite were covered in sweat.

“Just one cycle.”

Xie Heng spoke, his voice hoarse.

But Luo Wanqing didn’t dare move. After a moment, Xie Heng chuckled softly, actually pulling her into his embrace, letting her sit on his lap with her back to him. He held her hands to form seals in front of her body, and said in a low voice: “Let’s continue.”

After several cycles of circulation, the person behind her became somewhat restless. He held one of her hands while lowering his head to kiss her neck.

Luo Wanqing’s body trembled, and she lowered her head to remind him: “It’s daytime.”

As soon as she spoke, Cui Heng hooked the bed curtain, and it fell.

The surroundings instantly became completely dark. Cui Heng’s voice, tinged with desire, sounded hoarsely at her neck: “Not anymore.”

For the next ten days, except for eating and washing, she and Cui Heng were almost always in bed.

With her help, Cui Heng’s injuries had mostly healed. She then worked with Cui Heng daily, advancing bit by bit, expanding her meridians little by little.

On the morning of the tenth day, someone finally came to notify them that at the si hour, someone would come to their door to lead them to the main hall for the island entry ceremony.

After the messenger left, he also dropped a note in the room.

Xie Heng bent down to pick up the note, glanced at it, and heard Cui Heng, who was shaving, ask casually: “What does it say?”

“Last night someone tried to assassinate the island master, alarming the guards, but they escaped.”

Xie Heng looked at the note, glanced at the two female chiefs sitting nearby doing their makeup, then looked back at Cui Heng: “The dead guards were all extremely skilled first-class guards. Qinglu said they might recruit several first-class guards this time – it’s our opportunity.”

Hearing this, Cui Heng nodded and couldn’t help but sigh: “These guards died at the right time.”

“I’m afraid it’s not that they died at the right time,” Luo Wanqing was applying floral decorations to her forehead, speaking casually, “but that someone wanted to create openings. It was probably Li Guiyu or Wang Yunzhi who killed them.”

“Ah,” Cui Heng heard her speak, and turned to look, seeing Xing Ling applying her floral decorations. He quickly stood up: “How can we let Chief Xing Ling do such rough work?”

As he spoke, Cui Heng had already sat at the table, and the brush in Xing Ling’s hand mysteriously appeared in his.

Xing Ling was stunned. Cui Heng had already used one hand to lift her chin, seriously beginning to paint floral decorations on Xing Ling’s forehead: “Don’t move, Chief, or I might slip with my hand and have to start over. Look at your handiwork,” Cui Heng complained while painting, “painted like it was carved – how does that suit your face?”

“Cui Heng!” Xing Ling couldn’t help but reach for her sword, but didn’t dare move randomly.

Cui Heng quickly apologized: “It’s beautiful, very beautiful! Don’t move – just a few more strokes. How about I paint your eyebrows too…”

The two chattered away. Luo Wanqing sat in front of the mirror, which reflected Xie Heng’s figure. She suddenly felt a bit envious.

But she also knew that with Cui Heng currently disguised as Xie Heng, Xie Heng couldn’t possibly paint floral decorations for her in front of Xing Ling.

She painted more slowly, waiting for Xing Ling and Cui Heng to finish. When voices came from outside and the two went out to look, leaving only Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng in the room, Xie Heng finally walked behind Luo Wanqing.

He said nothing, directly taking the brush from her hand and lifting her face gently: “Why do you never paint the last stroke?”

“You knew I never paint the last stroke?”

“I was watching.” Xie Heng smiled, painting the final stroke for her, then glanced at the mirror to explain: “I was watching in the mirror the whole time.”

Luo Wanqing smiled: “I was waiting.”

Xie Heng didn’t move. Looking at the smiling person in front of him, his heart trembled. He put down the brush and said gently: “Let’s go.”

The four of them walked out the door to see a maidservant holding a roster, scanning their courtyard and beginning to call names.

“Ling Ling, Ye Ye, Xie Lan, Liu Xixi.”

Hearing these names, everyone responded one by one. The maidservant waved her hand, pointing to a crowd of people behind her: “Keep up, let’s go.”

Luo Wanqing turned to look and immediately spotted Li Guiyu in the crowd.

His expression was calm, his gaze swept between her and Xie Heng, then he withdrew it as if he hadn’t seen anything.

Luo Wanqing shifted her gaze from Li Guiyu and realized these people were all familiar faces who had entered the island together.

This made sense – only newcomers to the island would need someone to lead them.

Luo Wanqing withdrew her gaze and squeezed into the crowd with Cui Heng.

Cui Heng had originally been walking a bit ahead of her, but after glancing back at her, he somehow came to walk beside her.

Luo Wanqing looked at him with confusion, then heard Cui Heng whisper: “Don’t look at him.”

Luo Wanqing was stunned, then couldn’t help but laugh.

The three groups of people walked separately in distinct groups, following the maidservant quietly toward the main hall of Flowing Wind Island.

This path was completely different from the route they took when entering the island. Along the way were houses interspersed with blooming peach blossoms.

It was already September, and the peach blossoms blooming were extremely unusual. Luo Wanqing observed the surroundings and discovered that not only were there peach blossoms, but also many Taiji and Eight Trigrams patterns.

Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but wonder, turning to Cui Heng: “Why does Xie Minran have so many Taiji and Eight Trigrams patterns?”

“This place is built according to the Dao Sect mountain gate.”

Cui Heng glanced at Luo Wanqing and whispered: “Xie Minsheng came from the Dao Sect and learned mental techniques there when he was young.”

“He’s also from the Dao Sect?”

“Half a disciple.” Cui Heng glanced at the Flowing Wind Island maidservant in the distance and explained in a voice only they could hear: “His health was poor, and he couldn’t cultivate internal energy himself, so he went to the Dao Sect to learn the ‘Yin-Yang Sun-Moon Scripture’, finding a woman with similarly poor health to cultivate together. That woman practiced the Yin Moon Scripture while he practiced the Yang Sun Scripture.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing thought of the joint cultivation she had been doing with Cui Heng these past days. She was about to speak when Cui Heng whispered: “It’s not the same.”

With that, Cui Heng lowered his head and whispered: “The adult version of the ‘Yin-Yang Sun-Moon Scripture’ requires joint cultivation during intercourse.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing was shocked and couldn’t help but say: “Then Xie Minsheng and that female cultivator…”

“They should have been husband and wife.” Cui Heng spoke calmly: “But before they could officially cultivate together as adults, Xie Minran fell in love with Ji Ruifang. Ji Ruifang practiced Western Region demonic arts that could absorb others’ internal energy for her use. She became jealous of the woman who was to cultivate with Xie Minsheng, and demanded that Xie Minran choose between her and the woman, giving this method to Xie Minran. To prove his loyalty, Xie Minran, after killing the Xie clan members, lured that woman out under the identity of Xie Minsheng and absorbed her internal energy, killing her.”

Luo Wanqing’s eyes widened. Cui Heng’s expression was calm: “From then on, his body achieved yin-yang harmony. As long as he didn’t suffer fatal injuries, he no longer needed to depend on others.”

“What if he suffers fatal injuries?” Luo Wanqing asked curiously.

Cui Heng’s voice was cold: “What belongs to others will always belong to others.”

“That woman…” Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes, feeling somewhat sad: “What was her name?”

“She was called Wei Xiao’e,” Cui Heng’s tone carried some sorrow. “She was Xie Heng’s senior sister.”

With that, the group arrived at the entrance to the great hall, and Cui Heng and Luo Wanqing also fell silent.

The guide’s maidservant bowed to the main hall, then called out loudly: “Sir, everyone has been brought here.”

Hearing the maidservant speak, a middle-aged man turned around, scanned everyone, and nodded: “This humble person is Xie Qing, steward of Flowing Wind Island. Now that you’ve all entered Flowing Wind Island, you should serve the island well from now on. First, come pay respects to the island master.”

Hearing about paying respects to the island master, Luo Wanqing immediately looked up, only to discover that the so-called island master was just a statue.

The statue showed two young men back to back – one holding a sword with compassionate eyes, the other gripping a brush with a cold, evil smile.

This was a statue Xie Minsheng had made of himself, but even as a stone statue, it appeared extraordinarily handsome.

Luo Wanqing studied the statue’s features carefully. Beside her, Xie Heng glanced at her and suddenly handed her a stick of incense, saying calmly, “Offer incense.”

Only then did Luo Wanqing realize what was happening. She took the incense from Xie Heng’s hand and bowed to Xie Minsheng along with everyone else.

Xie Qing stood to the side, explaining Flowing Wind Island’s rules while watching them offer incense.

After the incense offering, Xie Qing led them inside, saying to everyone: “Our Flowing Wind Island is self-sufficient. Everyone must contribute to the island. Each person should choose work they enjoy doing and receive monthly wages for their work. All the positions Flowing Wind Island still needs are posted there – take a plaque and report at the entrance. If you don’t want to take a plaque, men can apply to be guards – go to the entrance now. We’re recruiting four guards today; if you win, you’re in. Women, go forward,” Xie Qing pointed to the inner hall. “The island master happens to be selecting a personal maidservant. Apply today – go inside and get a plaque.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng exchanged glances. Xie Heng nodded, then led Cui Heng outside.

Xing Ling came to stand beside Luo Wanqing, glancing inside: “Shall we go?”

Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling walked toward the inner hall together. After just a few steps, Wang Yunzhi’s voice rang out nearby: “We meet again.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked over to see Wang Yunzhi leading a large group of maidservants. She couldn’t help but smile: “Miss Wang, born to privilege, why do you always appear in places like this?”

“What else?” Wang Yunzhi glanced at her coolly: “Should I learn from that fool Zheng Biyue and let you scheme me to death on Purple Cloud Mountain?”

“Miss Wang jests.” Luo Wanqing spoke calmly: “We ladies of noble birth – how could we commoners scheme against you?”

“How exactly did she die?” Wang Yunzhi turned to look at her, her eyes full of confusion: “Who killed her?”

Luo Wanqing listened, thinking about how to extract information, but before she could speak, she heard Wang Yunzhi say: “However, no matter why she died, she was ultimately my friend and shouldn’t have been killed by you lowly commoners.”

Hearing the words “lowly commoners,” Luo Wanqing looked up, her eyes cold: “So?”

“I will avenge her.”

Wang Yunzhi lowered her voice: “I will get that item.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing smiled, completely unconcerned: “Does Miss Wang know what you’re trying to get?”

“That’s not important,” Wang Yunzhi spoke calmly: “Family matters – I’m ordered to retrieve it.”

“Regardless of right or wrong?”

“The Wang family is never wrong.”

At these words, Luo Wanqing laughed out loud. Beside her, Xing Ling glanced at Wang Yunzhi, then looked away.

The group lined up and moved forward. Ahead was a row of women responsible for checking height, weight, age, and inquiring about family background. Finally, Xie Qing would decide who stayed and who left.

Those too tall, too short, too ugly, or with poor backgrounds would all be eliminated. Luo Wanqing watched as the women ahead were separated into “stay” or “leave” groups and exited.

Wang Yunzhi was in front of Luo Wanqing. She walked over with a graceful bearing, and Xie Qing glanced at her and said directly: “Noble birth, pass.”

Hearing this, Wang Yunzhi walked to the approved area to wait. When it was Luo Wanqing’s turn, Xie Qing looked her over and said, “Beautiful, pass.”

Luo Wanqing nodded and moved forward, but Wang Yunzhi suddenly spoke: “Steward Xie, can married women also serve as the island master’s maidservant?”

At these words, the entire venue fell silent.

Xie Qing frowned, about to speak, when Wang Yunzhi reminded him: “The island master is a noble person. He selects maidservants for his own reasons. If he chooses a married woman, it would invite secret mockery from others, which wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Xie Qing remained silent. Xie Minran had never specifically stated that married women weren’t allowed to participate, but thinking about Xie Minran’s purpose in recruiting maidservants, it was essentially to provoke that person on the mountain. If he found a married woman, that person on the mountain wouldn’t care at all – might even be overjoyed to help with the wedding arrangements.

The last time a maidservant with a fiancé was sent up the mountain, she only revealed her lover after arriving, letting Ji Ruifang mock Xie Minran for an entire year. If they sent up someone already married this time, Ji Ruifang would find reason to mock Xie Minran, and Xie Minran would probably use his subordinates as scapegoats.

After Wang Yunzhi’s reminder, Xie Qing fell silent. After thinking, he said: “Miss Wang makes a good point…”

“Steward!” Seeing the situation, Luo Wanqing quickly remedied: “This servant and my husband are merely husband and wife in name only – it doesn’t count.”

“Husband and wife in name only?” Xie Qing frowned: “That’s not what you said when you came to the island.”

“Wandering the jianghu, we’re just traveling companions.” Luo Wanqing said hurriedly: “If the island master minds, this servant will part ways with him immediately.”

“A heartless and faithless person,” Xie Qing mocked, “what use is keeping you?”

These words made Luo Wanqing pause, then frown.

Xie Qing said impatiently: “Step down. From now on, anyone who’s been married should step down.”

Xing Ling’s footsteps stopped as she was about to step forward, quickly looking toward Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing’s mind raced. Xie Minran recruited maidservants to provoke Ji Ruifang. What kind of woman could help Xie Minran better provoke Ji Ruifang, or even if she couldn’t provoke Ji Ruifang, would still be favored by Xie Minran?

“Liu girl,” Xie Qing looked over coldly, “why aren’t you stepping down?”

“Steward.” Luo Wanqing’s mind suddenly flashed with a particular person.

The one person in this world who, for Xie Minran, would most easily make Ji Ruifang jealous.

“This servant actually has one very special trait that the island master might favor.”

Luo Wanqing spoke up, and everyone looked over. She raised her head, revealing a smile tinged with allure.

“This servant practices the Yin Moon Scripture.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Xing Ling: “Why didn’t you two leave your room for basically ten days?”

Luo Wanqing: “Because I was expanding my meridians through cultivation.”

Xing Ling: “What about the Chief?”

Luo Wanqing: “He was helping me.”

Xing Ling: “I understand, you were cultivating together.”

Luo Wanqing: “Yes! That’s right.”

Xing Ling: “Cui Heng, turns out they were practicing martial arts together in their room, practicing for ten days.”

Cui Heng: “They dual-cultivated for ten days?!”

Xing Ling: “Mm, Qingqing’s meridians expanded quite a bit.”

Cui Heng: “Zhuque, let me tell you, they dual-cultivated in bed for ten days! Ten days barely leaving the room – what stamina!”

Zhuque (gasping): “Terrifying.”

When Xie Heng returns to the Supervision Department.

Qingya: “Chief, I heard you and Chief Liu tumbled in the clouds and rain for ten days and nights, even broke the bed – is that true?”

Xie Heng: “…I wish I could have.”