◎You Should Get Married◎

“You…”

Xie Minsheng was somewhat unable to react for a moment: “How are you here?”

After asking Xie Heng, he immediately realized something was wrong and turned to look at Xie Qing, frowning: “Xie Qing, what’s going on?”

“It was the Great Island Master’s orders.”

Xie Qing looked at the suddenly appearing Xie Minsheng with some apprehension: “After you fell asleep yesterday, Third Prince Li Guiyu and Miss Wang Yunzhi from the Wang family suddenly found the Great Island Master. After he met with them in secret, he suddenly ordered this subordinate to use the maidservant selection today as a pretext to separate Chief Xie and his people, specifically to ambush Chief Xie.”

Xie Qing explained everything clearly. Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but find it strange.

If Xie Qing was Xie Minran’s person, why would he be so honest with Xie Minsheng?

If he were Xie Minsheng’s person, why would he be so obedient to Xie Minran?

But she didn’t interrupt Xie Minsheng’s understanding of the situation, listening as Xie Minsheng spoke with displeasure: “Can’t stay peaceful even when trapped here.”

With that, Xie Minsheng turned around and sighed to Xie Heng: “I’m sorry for frightening you. Come back with me first.”

Xie Heng was used to this kind of situation and nodded, leading Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling to follow Xie Minsheng. Xie Minsheng turned and waved to Xie Qing, saying gently, “Ah Qing, go prepare to receive Chief Xie and his friends.”

“Yes.” Xie Qing responded, then reminded: “Second Island Master, Chief Xie brought four people to the island in total. Should we look for the other one?”

Hearing this, Xie Minsheng looked at Xie Heng. Xie Heng nodded, then looked at Xing Ling: “Go bring Master Cui, Xiang Sizi, and Qinglu here together.”

Hearing this, Xing Ling immediately bowed and leaped onto the branches to leave.

Xie Minsheng looked completely surprised: “Xiang Sizi is on the island?”

“You didn’t know?”

Xie Heng turned to look at him, quite puzzled.

Xie Minsheng immediately looked at Xie Qing. Xie Qing looked apprehensive and quickly explained: “This subordinate only learned today that Master Xiang Sizi had returned to the island.”

Hearing this, Xie Minsheng paused but didn’t doubt it, only saying: “Forget it. If he wanted to do something, he certainly wouldn’t let you know.”

With that, Xie Minsheng bowed to Luo Wanqing and Cui Heng: “Please.”

Xie Heng nodded, and the group followed Xie Minsheng back to Tingfeng Tower.

Tingfeng Tower had been in chaos from the earlier fighting. Xie Minsheng looked around with a furrowed brow all the way, directing people to clean up Tingfeng Tower. After that, he led Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing into the guest hall. Once the two were seated, Xie Minsheng had Xie Qing serve tea and said apologetically: “I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“We were the ones causing the disturbance.”

Xie Heng was obviously used to such situations and only turned to glance at Xie Qing, who was leaving: “He helps Xie Minran, yet you don’t blame him?”

“Oh, this is something Ah Qing and I agreed upon.” Xie Minsheng smiled: “Ah Qing has served me since childhood. He can’t distinguish whether Xie Minran is truly his master or if I am his master. Finally, we agreed that, except for harming this body, he would obey any orders given by this body.”

Understanding Xie Minsheng’s words, Xie Heng nodded, grasping his meaning: “So our words will also be truthfully reported to Xie Minran?”

“If he hears them.”

Xie Minsheng gave a hint, then looked at Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing puzzledly: “Why did you come to Flowing Wind Island? Is it because of family matters…”

As soon as the words left his mouth, seeming to remember Xie Heng’s relationship with the family, he stopped and was searching for the right words when he heard Xie Heng say: “We followed Xiang Sizi’s trail here, looking for something in his possession.”

“So Xie Minran captured Xiang Sizi because of this?” Xie Minsheng understood the connection and couldn’t help asking: “What is it?”

“Something Cui Qingping sent over.”

At these words, Xie Minsheng was stunned. Xie Heng stared at his expression but changed the subject: “Speaking of which, I haven’t asked Uncle yet – you were away from home for many years without returning. Why did you suddenly come to Flowing Wind Island?”

“This matter… was arranged by Master Cui.”

Xie Minsheng’s face showed bitterness. Xie Heng’s expression became more serious: “Please explain in detail, Uncle.”

“You know that all these years, I’ve been struggling with Xie Minran. I hoped I could appear in this body for longer periods – I have many things I want to do. But,” Xie Minsheng pressed his lips together, “ten years ago, after he met Ji Ruifang, he completely took over this body. For a very long time, I never emerged again, until six years ago, on a rainy night, I suddenly opened my eyes and woke up.”

Xie Minsheng spoke with some bitterness in his eyes: “When I woke up, I was covered in blood. Master Cui stood before me, his sword only an inch from my forehead. He could have killed me in that moment, but he withdrew his sword when I looked up.”

“Where were you then?” Xie Heng seemed to be thinking.

Xie Minsheng recalled and answered truthfully: “Not far outside Heyu Pass.”

“What were you doing there?”

“I’m not clear either. I only heard Master Cui say that Xie Minran had come to intercept and kill him. He didn’t have time to explain much and only asked me to escort him for a while. So I brought him into Heyu Pass. Strangely, after we entered, there was no one to stop us. I led him through Heyu Pass without obstruction. During our journey, we chatted briefly. Only then did I learn that four years had already passed, and that,” Xie Minsheng’s eyes became watery, and he turned away with some difficulty, saying hoarsely, “Xie Minran had killed Xiao’e and advanced to the Eight Grandmasters.”

Hearing this, neither Luo Wanqing nor Xie Heng spoke.

Xie Minsheng smiled mockingly: “Xiao’e and I were about to be married, but he pretended to be me, deceived Xiao’e, and killed her. When I learned this from Master Cui, I wanted to commit suicide.”

“And then?” Xie Heng’s expression was calm, as if he already knew the outcome.

“I couldn’t do it.” Xie Minsheng lowered his eyes, saying with difficulty, “I held the sword and tried several times, but I couldn’t do it. I wanted to live.”

With that, Xie Minsheng looked up at Xie Heng with reddened eyes: “I’m weak and contemptible, cowardly and incompetent. Even though I killed Xiao’e, killed many people, and know I’m beyond redemption, I still want to live.”

“Cui Qingping let you live.” Xie Heng stated with certainty.

Xie Minsheng nodded: “Yes. When I couldn’t bring myself to act, Master Cui came out. He took the sword from my hands and told me that right and wrong have their justice, good and evil have their way. It was Xie Minran who killed people, not me. His sins shouldn’t be borne by me. But since he came into being because of me, if I wanted to live, I had to stop him. So he pointed out a path for me – he told me to find Xiang Sizi, come to Flowing Wind Island together, and imprison myself here from then on, accepting those throughout the world who had nowhere to go and had abandoned evil for good. After I found Xiang Sizi, we came to Flowing Wind Island. I negotiated with Xie Minran through letters – as long as he didn’t leave Flowing Wind Island, we would coexist peacefully. But if he left Flowing Wind Island, if I opened my eyes and found myself not on Flowing Wind Island, I would immediately commit suicide.”

“So Xiang Sizi became associated with you afterward?” Luo Wanqing asked puzzledly.

Xie Minsheng nodded: “Yes.”

He continued, recalling: “At that time, the Cui family had met with disaster. Xiang Sizi didn’t know his future path either. We happened to meet, and we became friends. He led me to Flowing Wind Island, and I kept a room for him on the island. These years, Xie Minran and I have gotten along fairly well. I haven’t let Xie Minran get involved with Xiang Sizi’s affairs, so I don’t know why he would suddenly move against Xiang Sizi…”

While speaking, voices came from outside. Everyone looked up to see Xing Ling and Cui Heng rushing in under Xie Qing’s guidance, both with blood on them. Luo Wanqing sensed something was wrong and immediately stood up: “Where are Xiang Sizi and Qinglu?”

“We were suddenly attacked by many people trying to capture Xiang Sizi,” Xing Ling immediately spoke seriously, “We were outnumbered. Xiang Sizi and Qinglu fell into the lake together and disappeared.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s eyes widened, and she said hurriedly: “I’ll go look for them.”

“No!”

Xie Minsheng quickly stopped her: “The lake bottom is full of mechanisms. Ordinary people who go down will surely die. Xie Qing,” Xie Minsheng called to Xie Qing, “immediately shut down the lake bottom mechanisms and sent people to search.”

“Yes.”

Hearing this, Xie Qing immediately went to have people search for Xiang Sizi and Qinglu.

After Xie Qing left, Xie Heng turned to look at Cui Heng: “Did he leave any message?”

“Yes.”

Hearing this, Cui Heng looked at Xie Minsheng: “He said the hairpin is the key to the item, and the item was placed by him and Xie Minsheng together. He asked Island Master Xie to lead us to retrieve it.”

Hearing this, Xie Minsheng was stunned. Everyone looked at him. Xie Minsheng thought and only said: “I only placed one item together with him, which was when we built the island…”

Before he finished speaking, Xie Minsheng and everyone understood.

Flowing Wind Island was built six years ago. The item placed when building the island – what else could it be but the item Cui Qingping had sent to Jiangnan?

“Where is it?”

Xie Heng immediately asked. Xie Minsheng hesitated for a moment, then slowly said: “At the core of Flowing Wind Island’s mechanisms.”

“Take us there.”

Xie Heng commanded. But Xie Minsheng didn’t speak. He looked hesitant. Cui Heng, watching from the side, couldn’t help but say: “Does Island Master Xie have some difficulty?”

“Flowing Wind Island is a mechanical island,” Xie Minsheng pressed his lips together, “The mechanism core is the hub of all mechanisms. Once opened, it cannot be restored. If I retrieve this item for you, Flowing Wind Island will no longer have any mechanical barriers.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing understood Xie Minsheng’s concerns: “You’re unwilling to open Flowing Wind Island?”

“This is the only thing I have left now.”

Xie Minsheng looked at Luo Wanqing with pleading in his eyes: “This is now my only reason for telling myself to stay alive. Guarding Flowing Wind Island can be considered doing a good deed…”

“A good deed?”

Xie Heng spoke coldly. Xie Minsheng seemed not to expect him to use such a tone and turned to look. He heard Xie Heng mock: “Do you want to ask what kind of people are actually on your island?”

“Those who have abandoned evil for good,” Xie Minsheng frowned, “they had evil in the past, but can’t they turn to good?”

“If the evil has been punished, then they can turn to good. But if it’s unpunished evil, and you give them a paradise, where does that leave those good people who were victims?”

Xie Heng spoke. Xie Minsheng couldn’t help but be stunned.

He thought and slowly said, “But… most people on the island are ordinary refugees. If I open the island, where will they go in the future?”

“Ordinary people?” Xie Heng chuckled: “Who are the ordinary people? Your guards? Or the wanted criminals who come every year?”

“What’s wrong with those guards?” Xie Minsheng didn’t understand: “I checked – they’re just ordinary soldiers.”

“Ordinary soldiers?” Xie Heng tapped the table lightly: “What did they say was their reason for coming to the island?”

“They said… they saw the cold weather and roads, stole clothes from the military to distribute to the people. The officers wouldn’t tolerate it and sentenced them under military law, so they fled together with nowhere to go.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng covered his forehead and smiled bitterly.

After a long while, he pointed toward the door: “Call their leader in. I want to question him.”

Xie Minsheng hesitated for a moment, pressed his lips, and finally called for someone to summon the person.

After a moment, a sergeant was led in.

He knelt nervously on the ground, saying uneasily: “Greetings to the Island Master.”

“A distinguished guest wants to question you.” Xie Minsheng said coldly, “Answer truthfully.”

“Yes.”

The man looked around nervously. Xie Heng sat above, speaking coldly: “Your name?”

“This humble one is Zhao Zhuang.”

“Where are you from?”

“Originally from Yongkang County in Qingzhou.” Zhao Zhuang hesitated: “Now it’s become territory of the Northern Rong.”

“Where did you serve in the past?”

“Originally… originally at the border, following the Cui family army to earn a living. Later, when the border was at war, I… I went to serve as a soldier at Heyu Pass.”

“How did you get to Heyu Pass when the border was at war?”

Xie Heng pursued. The other party stammered: “Just… just General Cui told us to escort the people to retreat, so I escorted the people to Heyu Pass.”

“Then what did you do at Heyu Pass?”

“Register the names of refugees entering the city.” Zhao Zhuang spoke, his body beginning to tremble involuntarily. Then, before Xie Heng could say more, he looked up urgently: “Sir, I’m a good person, I am a good person.”

“I know you’re a good person,” Xie Heng said, standing up and walking to Zhao Zhuang. He stared into his eyes and said calmly: “It was July then, wasn’t it? Although it was summer, the weather was abnormal for several days. The nights were extremely cold, and you even gave clothes to the people.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Zhao Zhuang nodded quickly, “I distributed many clothes to the people.”

“They wore them immediately?” Xie Heng looked curious.

Zhao Zhuang hurriedly said, “The weather was too cold then, especially for children. They would freeze to death if they didn’t wear them.”

“Where did you get so many clothes to distribute?” Xie Heng pursued.

Zhao Zhuang paused, then smiled bitterly: “This subordinate stole clothes from the military, which is why I was driven out and ended up wandering to Flowing Wind Island.”

“Military clothes?” Xie Heng smiled: “Which army?”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhuang’s expression changed drastically.

Luo Wanqing also couldn’t understand, but she didn’t dare interrupt Cui Heng’s questioning.

Zhao Zhuang knelt on the ground, not daring to speak for a long time. Cui Heng continued: “A few days ago, I captured someone named Zhao Bing. He’s now the head of the Eastern Palace Six Rates, and back then, he was the one guarding Heyu Pass.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhuang became agitated.

Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised.

She remembered that Cui Heng had thrown Zhao Bing into the river in front of her, and later it was reported that Zhao Bing had died.

Why was Cui Heng bringing him up now?

But Cui Heng quickly provided the answer. He circled Zhao Zhuang, saying slowly: “He told me that the first battle report from Heyu Pass that year came at night. In the middle of the night, an army attacked the city. They were shocked and immediately resisted. The enemy army was routed at first contact, and they pursued victoriously, annihilating nearly ten thousand enemies in one night. But when he led people to count the bodies the next day, he discovered that most of these enemy soldiers had no weapons.”

Zhao Zhuang’s breathing became rapid upon hearing this.

Everyone present also looked shocked.

Cui Heng squatted down and stared at Zhao Zhuang: “Zhao Bing said that he realized then that these people, rather than being soldiers, were more like common people wearing enemy army clothes. Zhao Zhuang, you can now betray a hundred people to redeem yourself through merit, and you can live. If you don’t speak, I’ll question them one by one. As long as one person confesses, all the others die.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhuang looked up at Cui Heng in shock. Cui Heng smiled: “Of your five hundred people, only one can live. Think carefully before you speak.”

Zhao Zhuang didn’t respond. Cui Heng held up five fingers and pressed them down one by one: “Five, four, three, two…”

“It was Northern Rong military uniforms!”

Zhao Zhuang suddenly cried out. Xie Minsheng stood up abruptly: “What did you say?!”

“I can live, right?” But Zhao Zhuang ignored Xie Minsheng, only staring at Xie Heng anxiously: “As long as I turn in the others, I can live, right?”

Xie Heng nodded and smiled: “I guarantee it.”

Zhao Zhuang breathed rapidly. He knew the promise from the person before him had no real effect.

But since the person above had already confessed, he had no room to bargain.

If only one of five hundred could live, he had to fight for it.

“I know, I know a lot, much more than the others would.” Zhao Zhuang organized his thoughts and spoke rapidly: “I… I was originally a centurion in the Cui family army, but… but I took money from the Wang family and would pass information to Wang family people from time to time.”

“So you were a spy for the Wang family.” Xie Heng confirmed.

Zhao Zhuang didn’t deny it, only saying: “Six years ago, I followed General Cui to guard the city at the border. The Wang family told me to notify them when I felt General Cui couldn’t hold on. So I waited at the front line. General Cui held the natural stronghold. Although he had no reinforcements, he was in a stalemate with the enemy for a long time. When the Northern Rong couldn’t take the city after a long siege, they thought of a way – they hung the hostage Third Prince in front of the city gate and humiliated him, forcing General Cui to open the gates.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt her heart tighten and couldn’t help but say: “Third Prince?”

“That’s right, it was Third Prince Li Guiyu,” Zhao Zhuang sighed. “The Third Prince was tortured for three days. General Cui wouldn’t open the gates, considering the safety of the city. Fortunately, at this time, the Third Prince’s master, Jiang Fengwan, launched a surprise attack on the Northern Rong army and brought back His Highness from among ten thousand troops. However, although His Highness returned, Jiang Fengwan was shot and killed in front of the city gates. This action caused many people in the city to be dissatisfied, and I knew the timing was about right. So I volunteered to lead the way for the people, escorting them to retreat.”

Zhao Zhuang continued, his eyes showing some sadness: “I led soldiers and took the people toward Heyu Pass. Before reaching Heyu Pass, Wang family people found me. They gave me fifty thousand Northern Rong military uniforms and told me to distribute them below, as many as I could. I recognized the uniforms and didn’t dare distribute them, but the Wang family people said they would take responsibility, and…” Zhao Zhuang hesitated, then still spoke: “They gave me fifty taels of gold.”

“Why would the people wear them?” Luo Wanqing couldn’t understand: “They were people living on the front lines. Didn’t they know those were Northern Rong military uniforms? Why would they wear them?”

“Heyu Pass kept us outside the gates for five days, making me set up camp with these people.” Zhao Zhuang’s face showed sorrow, and he said quietly: “Those five days were very cold, with no food. After I brought out the clothes, I told them these were clothes taken from the front lines, provided by the government for warmth and to distinguish refugee identities. I pretended to register them – as long as they put on the clothes, I’d give them a steamed bun, then tell them that tomorrow at dawn, they could enter the city, but only five thousand would be accepted – first come, first served.”

“So they put on the clothes, got the steamed buns, then the next day at dawn, following your orders, they rushed to enter the city with hopeful hearts?” Luo Wanqing heard this method and couldn’t believe it: “When they were scrambling to enter the city full of hope, you told the soldiers in the city that this was a Northern Rong army?!”

“I didn’t say it!” Zhao Zhuang quickly said, “I didn’t know what they were going to do then either. I just distributed clothes! It wasn’t until they started shooting arrows…”

Zhao Zhuang spoke, his voice barely stopping.

But everyone understood what had happened.

Six years ago, at Heyu Pass, a monstrous lie was artificially created.

They used fifty taels of gold to deceive over ten thousand people into wearing enemy uniforms and coming hopefully to the city gates, then being shot and killed as enemies, their bodies collected, and finally reported to the court as their military achievements.

They told the court that the Cui family had betrayed the country, Northern Rong troops were at the gates, Heyu Pass held firm, annihilating over ten thousand enemies, becoming the first victory report from the northwestern front.

The victors of that war—

The Wang family clan prospered as the premier family. Even the low-ranking generals became important ministers to the emperor, heads of the Eastern Palace Six Rates.

Fifty taels of gold.

It was what a wealthy family’s son would spend lavishly on one meal in the Eastern Capital.

It was a lifetime of comfort for an ordinary person.

Yet this amount of money was enough to buy the lives of tens of thousands of border people.

Everyone present listening to this past event was speechless.

But Xie Heng seemed to have expected it all along. He looked at Zhao Zhuang calmly, his eyes carrying deathly silence, and continued: “After they shot and pursued the people, you knew the truth. Why didn’t you return to the Eastern Capital to report?”

“I…” Zhao Zhuang said with difficulty, “I took the money, the deed was done. I was lucky to be alive.”

“So you fled to Flowing Wind Island?”

“Yes,” Zhao Zhuang nodded, then quickly looked at Xie Minsheng, kowtowing and flattering: “The Island Master is truly a good person. The Island Master gave us a way out. Without the Island Master, we definitely couldn’t have survived until today. Zhao Zhuang thanks the Island Master for his benevolence. Please, Island Master, show mercy…”

Xie Minsheng listened to Zhao Zhuang’s words but didn’t dare respond. He just stared at Zhao Zhuang blankly, hearing Xie Heng continue: “He was benevolent, but have you truly turned to good? Since you’ve turned to good, why did you help Wang Yunzhi pass messages?”

Zhao Zhuang froze. Xie Heng said calmly: “What did she promise you?”

“This humble one knows his error,” Zhao Zhuang realized what had happened and quickly said: “This humble one was momentarily confused. Miss Wang is powerful and influential. She threatened and tempted me, saying that if I helped her now, she would remember my kindness. If I didn’t help, she would find my family when she returned…”

Zhao Zhuang’s eyes reddened: “Sir, I earn money for my child at home. When I took that money back then, it was to trade one life for another. My child still needs to study and will take the imperial examinations soon. Sir, I had no choice…” Zhao Zhuang kowtowed to everyone: “Please, all the distinguished lords, I know I was wrong, I truly know I was wrong. Give this lowly person a way to live…”

“Stop talking…”

Xie Minsheng spoke with difficulty, his voice hoarse: “Go down first. Don’t mention this to anyone.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhuang looked delighted and quickly said: “Yes, this humble one will never mention it to others. This humble one will work like a horse and ox for the Island Master in the future…”

“Get out!”

Xie Minsheng shouted.

Seeing Xie Minsheng’s anger, Zhao Zhuang didn’t dare linger and hurriedly got up and retreated.

After he left, Xie Minsheng sat with his head down, not speaking.

Xie Heng turned to look at him and said calmly, “So, Uncle, do you see clearly what you’ve been doing? The Flowing Wind Island you built is nothing but a shelter for evildoers. Every person who does wrong should face trial and pay the corresponding price, fulfill their due responsibilities, not escape to this paradise and hide for life. I know you want to live. Living is not shameful, but you don’t need to use Flowing Wind Island as an excuse to keep living.”

Xie Minsheng’s fingertips trembled lightly. Xie Heng stepped forward to continue persuading: “You’ve already done many wrong things. Do you think these people being here is coincidental? When Cui Qingping couldn’t pass through Heyu Pass that year, yet you could take him through smoothly – do you think that was good luck? It’s because Xie Minran participated in these events, which is why Xie Minran let these ordinary soldiers get the chance to come to the island from the very beginning of its construction, and why you could so easily bring Cui Qingping into Heyu Pass with this face.”

At these words, Xie Minsheng’s face turned ashen.

Seeing he had said enough, Xie Heng didn’t want to waste words and said directly: “The item Uncle sent back concerns the truth of that year. I am currently the only one capable of seeking justice for those events. If you have even half a heart of repentance, then open the mechanism hub,” Xie Heng extended his hand toward him, “and give me the item.”

Xie Minsheng didn’t speak. He sat there blankly, seeming to think.

Everyone didn’t rush him, just waited quietly. After a long time, they heard Xie Minsheng say: “The mechanism hub is below Zhaixing Tower. It has two ways to open. If opened at Mao hour, it will stop all mechanisms. But if forcibly opened at other times,” Xie Minsheng frowned, “it will activate all mechanisms simultaneously. No one on all of Flowing Wind Island would survive.”

“We have to wait until Mao hour?”

Luo Wanqing understood his meaning.

Xie Minsheng nodded: “Yes.”

“Fine.”

Xie Heng wasn’t afraid either. Mao hour was still far from when Xie Minsheng would leave, so as long as Xie Minsheng was there, there wasn’t much to worry about.

“What about the phoenix feather hairpin?”

Cui Heng listened and immediately spoke up.

Xie Minsheng thought and said hesitantly: “I did see that phoenix feather hairpin before. If nothing unexpected happened, this hairpin should be in Ji Ruifang’s hands.”

“Why do you deduce this?”

“Xie Minran has no interest in anything else in the world,” Xie Minsheng considered, “the only thing he cares about is Ji Ruifang. Ji Ruifang is deeply involved with the powerful and wealthy. Her doing these things is very likely for Ji Ruifang as well.”

“Ji Ruifang is in Jirui Palace on Xueling Mountain?” Xie Heng tapped the table, planning the next step.

Xie Minsheng nodded, then said, “Xueling Mountain has complex terrain. Xie Minran spent great effort setting up formations for Ji Ruifang. The only safe route into Jirui Palace is the Sky Ladder on Flowing Wind Island.”

He pointed toward the wooden frame on the distant snowy mountain: “The Sky Ladder is a special climbing device designed by Xie Minran, operated by manpower. In less than one quarter-hour, you can climb directly from Flowing Wind Island to Jirui Palace.”

“That’s perfect!” Hearing about this device, Cui Heng became excited: “Tomorrow, after we get the item, we’ll take the Sky Ladder directly to Jirui Palace!”

“That won’t work.” Xie Minsheng shook his head: “The Sky Ladder requires permission from above. Otherwise, halfway up, they’ll cut the rope.”

“Ah?” Cui Heng’s eyes widened: “Then… how can we get permission from Jirui Palace? You take us up?”

“Going up isn’t difficult.”

Xie Minsheng thought, then looked hesitantly at Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing, tactfully suggesting: “Ji Ruifang likes to officiate weddings, especially for Xie Minran’s maidservants.”

“I understand now.”

Cui Heng got it and immediately slapped the table, turning to look at Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing: “So you two are going to Jirui Palace to get married tomorrow. How about it?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng glanced at Luo Wanqing. Luo Wanqing immediately said, “This subordinate follows the Young Master’s orders.”

Xie Heng thought, then nodded: “Let’s do that then.”

He looked up at Xie Minsheng: “You arrange this matter.”

“I know,” Xie Minsheng nodded, thinking: “Later I’ll have Xie Qing write a letter to send to Jirui Palace, saying I’ve chosen this Chief as a maidservant, you’re her fiancé who came demanding marriage, hoping to go to Jirui Palace tomorrow to complete the wedding. Given her temperament, she should agree. Flowing Wind Island weddings are all held in the morning at Jirui Palace, then the wedding ceremony and bowing, so the timing work perfectly.”

“Good.”

Xie Heng agreed. Xie Minsheng thought, then suddenly said: “Since we’re having a wedding, let’s have everyone drink together too. I’ll send out invitations.”

Xie Minsheng’s eyes showed some resolution as he said calmly: “Let everyone on the island drink together to celebrate your wedding.”

Not expecting Xie Minsheng to make it so elaborate, Luo Wanqing hurried to decline.

But before she could speak, Cui Heng pulled her back.

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Cui Heng lowered his eyes and said calmly: “We’ll follow Uncle’s arrangements entirely. I have a few people here – please have Uncle send them out first. Also, please Uncle search for Xiang Sizi and Qinglu.”

“Alright.”

Xie Minsheng smiled, then looked at everyone present and said gently, “You should rest first. With me here today, nothing will happen.”

With that, Xie Minsheng called Xie Qing over and instructed him to take everyone down.

Xie Qing led everyone out the door. When they reached the entrance, Xie Minsheng suddenly called out: “Miss Luo.”

Luo Wanqing turned back in surprise to hear Xie Minsheng say: “If you were me, what would you do?”

Luo Wanqing wasn’t sure why he would recognize her identity. She didn’t dare say much and only replied vaguely: “What does the Island Master mean?”

“I mean,” Xie Minsheng looked up at her, as if seeking a way out, “Xie Minran killed Xiao’e, so he’s my enemy. But if I want to kill him, I must die. If you were me, what would you do?”

“Then I’d die.”

Luo Wanqing answered without the slightest hesitation.

Xie Heng turned to look at her as Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Minsheng and said with certainty: “If I were you, I would kill Ji Ruifang, then commit suicide to kill Xie Minran.”

“Is it worth it?”

“If my enemy doesn’t die, I cannot rest in peace. It’s more important than life.”

Xie Minsheng didn’t respond, seeming to consider.

Luo Wanqing knew what he was thinking. She continued persuading: “Island Master Xie, sometimes death isn’t punishment – it’s a price to pay. I know Island Master Xie wants to live, but – Xie Minran came into being because of you. Killing him is your responsibility. If you had been more decisive back then, Wei Xiao’e wouldn’t have died, Cui Qingping wouldn’t have been severely injured on his way back, and many other wrongs you don’t know about wouldn’t have happened. For matters that arose because of you, even if you only stood by and watched, it’s still doing evil.”

Xie Minsheng’s fingertips trembled.

Luo Wanqing looked at him and said with certainty: “If I were you, I would never indulge him.”

Xie Minsheng listened to her words, looked up, but asked: “What about Li Guiyu?”

Luo Wanqing’s expression didn’t change. Xie Minsheng asked puzzledly: “I heard Li Guiyu killed your father. If you had to pay with your life and sacrifice everything to get revenge, would you be willing?”

“Yes.” Luo Wanqing answered without hesitation.

“What if your father wronged Li Guiyu first?” Xie Minsheng suddenly spoke.

Luo Wanqing’s movement stiffened slightly. She sensed something and looked up keenly: “What do you mean?”

Seeing her expression, Xie Minsheng thought, then only said: “I was just asking casually. Miss Luo should go rest.”

“What do you mean?” Luo Wanqing pursued: “You said my father wronged…”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Xie Heng didn’t give Luo Wanqing a chance to ask questions, interrupting her and saying coolly: “Xiniang, don’t try to test Island Master Xie anymore.”

Luo Wanqing paused, then remembered that her identity was just Liu Xiniang.

Cui Heng deliberately made it seem like her words were trying to extract information from Xie Minsheng, and she couldn’t go against Cui Heng’s intentions.

She stopped speaking with difficulty and stood aside, hearing Cui Heng say: “Uncle misunderstood. This is Chief Liu Xiniang from my Supervision Department. Previously, to assassinate Li Guiyu, I had Elder Zhong change her face to look like Luo Wanqing.”

Xie Minsheng was stunned. Cui Heng stared at Xie Minsheng, pressing: “I don’t know why Uncle would mistake her for Miss Luo? Does Uncle know Miss Luo?”

“I’ve seen her portrait.”

Xie Minsheng nodded, explaining: “Li Guiyu’s master was friends with Xie Minran and once asked Xie Minran to look after him. Xie Minran inquired about his affairs and learned he had a fiancée. I thought…”

Xie Minsheng didn’t continue, then smiled apologetically at Luo Wanqing: “I was trying to find an answer,” he said, bowing his head, “I was presumptuous.”