◎Welcoming the Luo Family into the Imperial Mausoleum◎

Jiqing’s answer was so resolute that it caught Luo Wanqing off guard.

She had originally thought that someone like Jiqing could be frightened a little, told about the pros and cons, and would yield results. She never expected that while his courage was indeed lacking, he was extremely firm in his convictions.

He was convinced that the Zheng family was a towering tree and simply didn’t believe a word Luo Wanqing said.

Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but feel somewhat troubled, but she also knew that saying more in this situation would be futile.

She turned around, instructed someone nearby to watch him, then turned to leave and go to the Baihu Division to notify Qin Huaiyu to retrieve Jiqing’s identity information.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw an attendant approach and respectfully say, “Inspector Liu.”

Luo Wanqing turned to look and saw the attendant holding a small box, presenting it forward as he said, “Earlier, the Third Prince sent someone to the gate to deliver this for you.”

Luo Wanqing frowned, puzzled as she took the wooden box. She first carefully checked the surroundings, confirming there were no poisons or hidden weapons, before opening the lid. Inside the wooden box was a sachet, a small azure porcelain box, and a token, with a piece of peach blossom stationery laid horizontally on top, written in Li Guiyu’s handwriting:

“Hearing that Xiniang will be promoted to one of the Four Chiefs, I specially present this gift in celebration. Yesterday, during morning court, I happened to encounter Inspector Xie. The inspector’s incense is too easily transferred to others. To prevent Xiniang from facing criticism, and fearing the late Shadow Envoy Cui’s spirit might be troubled, I specially sought fragrance-avoiding beads yesterday. I hope Xiniang will accept them with a smile.”

Reading this line, Luo Wanqing felt irritation rise in her heart. She lifted her hand to take the note, crumpled it into a ball, closed the lid, and handed it back, saying coldly, “Find someone to return it. Don’t accept anything from the Third Prince in the future.”

With that, Luo Wanqing turned and left, quickly walking into another small courtyard. Only when she was alone did she stop and couldn’t help but take out the flower stationery again, looking at the line “Yesterday during morning court, I happened to encounter Inspector Xie. The incense is too easily transferred to others. The late Shadow Envoy Cui’s spirit might be troubled…”

Looking at this sentence, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Li Guiyu had always been perceptive. Yesterday, they had met on the mountain, and during morning court, he had gone to observe Xie Heng. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but she felt more than that Li Guiyu had done it deliberately.

He must have developed suspicions about the relationship between Xie Heng and herself, and might even have suspicions about Xie Heng’s identity.

She didn’t want to frighten herself, but she had to take precautions.

If Li Guiyu realized that Cui Heng was Xie Heng, he couldn’t possibly let it go, and he would realize that Xie Heng had already opened the Xuantian Box, not knowing what reaction he would have.

Regarding Li Guiyu’s movements, Luo Wanqing naturally felt a sense of wary unease.

After all, in the dream of her previous life…

Xie Heng had died at his hands.

Thinking of this, Luo Wanqing’s heart trembled.

The pain she felt when learning of her father’s death and hearing news of Cui Heng’s death instantly surged up, shrouding her like a nightmare.

She took a deep breath, calming herself down, carefully analyzing the possibility of Li Guiyu discovering that Xie Heng was Cui Heng.

Cui Heng’s identity was originally one that Xie Heng had used in the past at the Supervision Department, so when she had investigated initially, she couldn’t see any flaws at all. From entering the Supervision Department until now, there were complete records, and he had even gone on missions with ordinary inspectors. Li Guiyu was unlikely to be able to investigate this.

Li Guiyu might discover traces between her and Xie Heng, but as long as he believed Cui Heng was dead, even if he sensed the possibility between her and Xie Heng, he wouldn’t think she would transfer her affections to someone else in such a short time.

And his certainty that Cui Heng was dead was, most importantly, judging her emotions.

After Cui Heng’s “death,” she had seen Li Guiyu twice. Liufeng Island was once, when she truly thought Cui Heng was dead. Li Guiyu probably didn’t have much doubt about Cui Heng’s death because of her reaction then.

And last night’s encounter was too brief. Li Guiyu probably couldn’t see anything, but he might continue to test her next.

Even this sachet might be a kind of test.

Xie Heng had traveled with Li Guiyu on Liufeng Island for a stretch, so Li Guiyu should have long figured out that Cui Heng’s temperament regarding emotions was probably not much different from his own. If she carried another person’s fragrance, Cui Heng would be displeased. If Cui Heng had truly died, even if she wanted to put the departed soul at peace, knowing that she and Xie Heng used the same incense, she would find ways to avoid it.

Having figured out Li Guiyu’s intentions, Luo Wanqing went to the pharmacy. She wouldn’t use his fragrance-avoiding beads, but she did indeed need to find some medicinal materials to prevent Xie Heng’s incense from transferring to others.

Luo Wanqing went to the pharmacy to find some fragrance-avoiding medicinal materials, then proceeded to the Baihu Division to first apply for Jiqing’s files, then went upstairs to find Baili and handle official business with her.

Xie Heng had long had Baili lead her in these tasks, so she was quite familiar with them. By evening, Luo Wanqing went up the mountain back to her room. Just reaching the door, she saw Xie Heng sitting by the entrance.

He wore an ink-blue wide-sleeved long robe with red cord tied around his waist, his hair half-bound with a hair tie the same color as his belt, leaning against the steps, tossing melon seeds to feed Zhuisi and Lianqing.

In the past, he would also wait for her at the door like this, but he would always wear a mask. Now, without his mask, Luo Wanqing could see the expression on his face. His usually stern face carried a smile, and if one hadn’t seen his normally commanding demeanor, he would now be no different from an ordinary noble young master.

Hearing Luo Wanqing return, Xie Heng looked up with a smile, “You’re back?”

“Mm.”

Luo Wanqing responded and walked over, sitting on the steps, watching Xie Heng toss melon seeds into the air while Zhuisi and Lianqing competed to catch them.

Lianqing was small and always got beaten by Zhuisi. Luo Wanqing felt sorry watching this and quickly reached for melon seeds, “How can Lianqing compete with Zhuisi? She needs to be fed separately…”

“Don’t.”

Xie Heng pressed down on Luo Wanqing’s hand, explaining, “She’s gotten so fat recently, she can’t fly. I’m training her.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but look over and indeed discovered that Lianqing had gotten considerably fatter than before.

Xie Heng brushed away her hand and continued throwing melon seeds in mid-air, while throwing he said, “No matter how small she is, she’s still meant for finding people. If you feed her like this until she can only fly one li before tiring, how can she find anyone?”

Luo Wanqing heard his reasoning and didn’t interfere further, just watching Lianqing jumping around in mid-air, unable to catch a single melon seed, chirping and chattering incessantly, feeling quite distressed.

Seeing this, Xie Heng glanced at her, then separately handed over a melon seed to feed Lianqing before turning to ask, “You went to see Jiqing today?”

“Mm.”

“How was the situation?”

“He refuses to speak.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng wasn’t surprised, “The aristocratic families have been entrenched for years. Even now with the Eastern Capital’s court full of upright officials, people still fear and yearn for them, let alone an ordinary commoner.”

With that, Xie Heng clapped his hands and straightened up, turning to look at her, “If he won’t speak, what do you plan to do?”

“Test the waters first.”

Luo Wanqing thought as she spoke, “Know yourself and your enemy, nurture the heart with the heart. If it comes to the worst…”

Luo Wanqing didn’t finish speaking, but Xie Heng understood her meaning.

Jiqing’s family was still at the Supervision Department.

She wasn’t someone who would use any means necessary. When she had choices, she always preferred to choose the better path.

However, she was never blindly benevolent either.

Xie Heng thought for a moment, considering, “Tomorrow is the palace banquet. To be safe, if he won’t testify, delay your memorial.”

With that, Xie Heng looked at her, comforting, “There will be opportunities.”

Luo Wanqing agreed with a sound, thinking about Jiqing’s refusal to speak.

Seeing her expression, Xie Heng thought for a moment, then placed his hand on Luo Wanqing’s shoulder, smiling, “Inspector need not worry. If worst comes to worst, I’ll accompany the Inspector to beat the appeal drum and find an upright magistrate.”

Luo Wanqing was amused by him and knew that overthinking these matters now was pointless. Calculating the time, she began to send him away, “Alright, it’s getting late. Go to sleep.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng paused, hesitating, “Xiniang is sending me away already?”

“What else?”

Luo Wanqing remembered the morning’s incident and pushed him away with some disgust, “Go sleep properly.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng knew Luo Wanqing didn’t intend to keep him tonight. He could only sigh, dust off his sleeves, and helplessly let go. Lingshu’s sleeping posture is ungraceful. I’m afraid I’ve disturbed the Inspector recently, making her displeased.”

Luo Wanqing heard him beating around the bush again, glanced at him, and hinted, “It’s not the sleeping posture.”

Xie Heng raised an eyebrow, not expecting Luo Wanqing to respond.

He thought for a moment, chuckled softly, and only said, “Very well, since Xiniang has no interest tonight, I won’t disturb you. I can only give you my longing.” As Xie Heng spoke, he took the medicine pouch from Luo Wanqing’s waist, took out a sachet from his sleeve, and methodically hung it on her, pulling at the thin cord, “I hope it can accompany the Inspector day and night, morning and evening,” As the last cord was tightened and tied by him, Xie Heng raised his eyes, smiling as he emphasized, “never leaving for a moment.”

Luo Wanqing instinctively felt there was meaning behind his words. Seeing her expression, Xie Heng knew she had somewhat realized, but didn’t say more, only smiled, stood up, and swept his sleeve outward, “I’m leaving.”

Luo Wanqing sat on the steps without moving, caressing the sachet in her hand.

This sachet contained Xie Heng’s newly made fragrance, even more intense than what he wore himself.

Luo Wanqing looked down at the sachet, slowly realizing that Xie Heng probably knew about Li Guiyu sending things today. After all, this was the Supervision Department—it would be strange if Xie Heng didn’t know.

So when Li Guiyu sent a sachet, he immediately sent another one.

Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but find this bit of thoughtfulness amusing. She looked down, gripping the sachet, and called out, “Young Master.”

Xie Heng stopped and turned to look. Luo Wanqing raised her head to look at him, with a half-smile, “I was worried Young Master wouldn’t sleep well.”

“How could that be?” Xie Heng replied quite politely, “Being by Xiniang’s side is when I sleep best.”

“Then, Young Master, should sleep first.”

Luo Wanqing stood up and stepped into the room. “I got some documents from Master. I’ll sleep after reading them.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng raised an eyebrow and turned to enter the room.

The next day when he woke up, Xie Heng returned to his own courtyard early and left from there for morning court.

Luo Wanqing woke up and went to find Jiqing. She watched him all day, and he didn’t say a word, even attempting to go on a hunger strike. But as soon as he had this thought, Luo Wanqing directly cut off his water as well.

By afternoon, Jiqing couldn’t hold out and had to abandon his hunger strike idea.

When she returned to her room that evening, Luo Wanqing saw Xie Heng waiting at the door again. Xie Heng quickly glanced at her, seeing the medicine pouch hanging on her clothes, and didn’t say anything.

But that night, Luo Wanqing felt that Xie Heng wasn’t as gentle as usual. Though not excessive, he was unusual. Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?”

“Why isn’t the Inspector wearing the sachet I gave her?”

Xie Heng pressed against her from behind, biting her ear, “Don’t you like it?”

Luo Wanqing tightly gripped the bedsheets beneath her, using her remaining rationality to speak with difficulty, “There’s no need to take this risk and let Li Guiyu notice.”

As soon as these words came out, Luo Wanqing’s last bit of consciousness became somewhat scattered.

She vaguely heard Xie Heng chuckle softly, seemingly saying, “I’d rather he did notice.”

But these words seemed like a dream. When she woke the next day, Xie Heng had already gone to court, and she had nowhere to ask. By afternoon, when Zhuque came to notify her about the evening palace banquet, she had forgotten most of it.

Since Jiqing hadn’t confessed, the palace banquet was just going through the motions for Luo Wanqing to see the Emperor and confirm her promotion.

She didn’t have much to prepare. After simply bathing, she hung on the sachet, put on the Supervision Department Inspector’s uniform, and waited for the Supervision Department to send someone to pick her up in the evening.

Xie Heng had been in the palace all day. Later in the evening, Luo Wanqing heard an attendant announce that a carriage was waiting at the gate.

She quickly went to the main gate of the Supervision Department and saw Xie Heng’s carriage already stopped at the entrance. She went forward to bow to Zhuque, then heard Xie Heng say, “Xiniang, get in.”

Luo Wanqing got into the carriage and saw Xie Heng sitting inside. He wore black robes with a golden crown, more casual than court dress but more formal than usual.

He glanced at Luo Wanqing indifferently and couldn’t help but frown, “You’re wearing just this?”

Luo Wanqing felt somewhat at a loss, not knowing if her attire was appropriate, but after thinking, Xie Heng nodded quite seriously, “Never mind, you look good in anything.”

Luo Wanqing was momentarily speechless, helplessly speaking up, lowering her voice to remind, “Young Master, please be careful with your words.”

Xie Heng glanced at her and said no more, only turning to handle documents, “Palace banquets generally only invite princes, nobles, and ministers favored by His Majesty. Though inspectors have great power, they’re still considered beneath the nobles and high officials—the Four Chiefs are merely attendants. At the banquet, you’ll stay close to me, sitting behind me.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing responded with agreement. Xie Heng thought for a moment and looked up at her, “It’s somewhat demeaning, please bear with it.”

Luo Wanqing was startled, then smiled, only saying, “Young Master jests, this is proper.”

Xie Heng shook his head but said no more.

He then told Luo Wanqing about palace banquet etiquette before they arrived at the palace gates together.

Xie Heng’s carriage could enter the imperial city directly, so they traveled to the inner palace gates before the carriage stopped.

Luo Wanqing went forward to open the carriage door for Xie Heng. Zhuque prepared a step stool, and Luo Wanqing stepped down first, then stood to the side, raising her hand to help Xie Heng down.

Xie Heng’s hand lightly rested on her wrist, hidden by her sleeve, borrowing her strength to step down from the carriage.

All the surrounding princes and nobles did likewise, but Luo Wanqing felt a gaze constantly staring at her.

Luo Wanqing instinctively turned back to look and saw Li Guiyu staring in her direction. Only after Xie Heng got down and withdrew his hand did Li Guiyu look away, leading Zitang and Qingzhu into the inner palace.

Xie Heng noticed as well, but didn’t speak. Only after Zhuque put away the step stool did he lead the two of them inside.

Weapons weren’t allowed in the inner palace, so all weapons were confiscated at the entrance. After inspection, the three were led by palace maids to the inner hall.

The inner hall hadn’t begun the banquet yet. People gathered in small groups talking. Seeing Xie Heng enter, everyone looked over, but only glanced before not daring to approach.

Xie Heng led Luo Wanqing and Zhuque, guided by a palace maid, to the seat closest to the Emperor’s right hand. After he sat down, Luo Wanqing and Zhuque knelt behind him.

The three sat alone in the high position while ministers below gathered to talk. Li Guiyu’s position was in the first row of the main hall, but ultimately not on the same level as Xie Heng. He seemed familiar with everyone, coming and going, constantly chatting with people.

Luo Wanqing observed from afar. Xie Heng looked back at her once without speaking. Soon, more and more people entered the hall, and officials familiar with Xie Heng began entering one by one, starting to come forward to toast him.

While toasting, everyone subconsciously looked at Luo Wanqing. Everyone understood why Xie Heng brought her, and some clever officials even began toasting Luo Wanqing, though they didn’t say much; their flattering intent was clear.

After drinking a round, Luo Wanqing’s face reddened. Xie Heng glanced at her and spoke up, “Xiniang, you’re still young and this is your first time in the palace. Go look at the garden.”

Luo Wanqing knew Xie Heng was giving her an out, nodded, and took the opportunity to escape.

As she left, she happened to see Zhang Yiran entering. Seeing Luo Wanqing, Zhang Yiran was also startled. Luo Wanqing winked at him, wanting to persuade him to enter later. Right now, inside, people were toasting, and if he went in, he’d probably be knocked down after a few rounds.

But Zhang Yiran couldn’t understand, only smiled brightly and nodded before going in.

Seeing his determined departure, Luo Wanqing knew she couldn’t stop this doomed soul, so she shrugged and walked out herself.

But unexpectedly, once out of the main hall, without their superiors to restrain them, the officials became even more unrestrained. Without Xie Heng beside her, people began examining her—some curious, some wary, some disgusted…

Since entering the Eastern Capital, she had been through constant storms, and court officials had long known her well.

Luo Wanqing couldn’t bear such scrutiny and headed toward darker areas. Not far from the inner hall was a water pavilion. The early spring was cold, and fewer people were near the water pavilion. She simply walked into the pavilion to sit and let the cold wind blow. But after a while, she heard a voice, “Today’s yellow wine is quite heating, but allowing cold wind to invade will easily cause illness.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing paused, then pretended not to hear and got up to leave.

Li Guiyu held a lamp, standing at the pavilion entrance, calmly saying, “Now Miss won’t even say a word to me?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t respond. Li Guiyu said softly, “I’ve already spoken with them. If Miss is willing to marry me, or give up pursuing old cases, everything can be forgiven.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing stopped walking. She looked back coldly and couldn’t help asking, “Who did you speak with?”

“Zheng Pingsheng, Wang Shenfeng.”

Li Guiyu gave names. Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but find it strange, “I caused Zheng Biyue’s death. She was your fiancée. Now you’re helping me—Zheng Pingsheng can still say he’ll let bygones be bygones?”

“They care more about what you can do.”

“Then it seems they fear me.”

Luo Wanqing understood, then asked puzzled, “But what does this have to do with marriage?”

“Nothing directly. But in their eyes, women follow their husbands after marriage. If you marry me, you couldn’t possibly stay in the Supervision Department. Confined to the inner quarters afterward, you couldn’t stir up trouble either.” Li Guiyu explained, “Whether you actively give up or become powerless, it’s the same to them.”

But just this wouldn’t be enough to make Zheng Pingsheng spare her.

Luo Wanqing thought, then asked curiously, “You made a deal with them?”

“Yes.”

“What deal?”

Luo Wanqing asked instinctively, then realized she shouldn’t ask.

She was probing too deeply. If Li Guiyu answered her, it would no longer be a casual conversation but out of consideration. She didn’t want to owe favors, so she immediately said, “No need to answer, I’ll investigate myself.”

As she was about to leave, Li Guiyu gripped the lamp handle tightly, saying with some difficulty, “Do my feelings disgust you so much?”

Luo Wanqing stopped. She thought for a moment, then finally said, “Li Guiyu, I don’t exploit emotions. Between us, there’s only family vengeance and Cui Heng’s life—nothing else. You needn’t do anything for me, nor show mercy. Jiang Shaoyan and Luo Wanqing died in Jiangnan—let them stay gone.”

“But you’re alive.”

Li Guiyu struggled to control his breathing, “You’re alive—how can I pretend they’re dead?”

“You killed my father, harmed my family, and caused Cui Heng’s death. My father killed your master,” Luo Wanqing turned to look at him, “Why force it?”

“I can’t let go, so I can only force it.”

Li Guiyu didn’t want to say more, finally turning away, “If Miss won’t marry me, then give up pursuing old cases.”

“What if I don’t give up?”

Li Guiyu didn’t speak. He thought for a moment, then chuckled softly, “You will.”

With that, he turned and left.

Luo Wanqing watched his retreating figure, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Seeing more and more people in the inner hall, she calculated the time and felt she should return, so she pondered Li Guiyu’s words while walking quickly back to the inner hall.

Upon returning to the inner hall, she knelt behind Xie Heng and instinctively looked up toward Li Guiyu.

She didn’t know why, but her mind kept thinking about his final words, “You will.”

He wasn’t someone who spoke carelessly—he must have done something.

But what could he do?

Luo Wanqing pondered, her gaze involuntarily following Li Guiyu.

Xie Heng looked at her several times, but Luo Wanqing didn’t notice.

Taking advantage of Zhuque going out to fetch something, Xie Heng leaned back slightly, saying softly, “With so many people below, it’s inconvenient for Xiniang to look at people. If you want to see someone, why not tell me? I’ll invite them up to sit with us.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing turned to look at Xie Heng’s seemingly considerate expression and finally came to her senses.

“Young Master,” Luo Wanqing said somewhat helplessly, “A bowstring pulled too tight will break; a person watched too closely will run.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng nodded as if understanding, “I’m taught.”

Just as he finished speaking, Li Zong’s entrance was announced from outside.

Everyone knelt like a tide. Luo Wanqing also knelt with Xie Heng, welcoming Li Zong into the hall.

Li Zong was clearly in excellent spirits today, walking lightly to the upper part of the hall before sitting down, then calling for everyone to rise.

“Today is the Lantern Festival, a joyous occasion. I haven’t drunk with my ministers for a long time, so I’ve specially invited you all here. Everyone should treat this as a family banquet—don’t be restrained.”

Everyone thanked him. Li Zong said some more warming words from above, then officially began the feast.

Suddenly, silk and bamboo music filled the air, and the entire hall became lively.

Li Zong took a wine cup and turned to look at Xie Heng, smiling, “Heng’er has grown another year older. Come, I toast you.”

These words were more affectionate than to a real son. Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but glance at Xie Heng.

But Xie Heng seemed completely indifferent, nodding, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s remembrance.”

Li Zong above chatted with Xie Heng, Wang Shenfeng, Zheng Pingsheng, Xie Guangcheng, and other high officials. During their conversation, the hall suddenly darkened.

Everyone panicked momentarily, then saw lights suddenly brighten on the stage, with a young man wearing a white mask kneeling in the center of candlelight, then music began as the young man slowly rose.

People gradually realized this was a performance. Li Zong showed curiosity, nodding, “Interesting.”

Xie Heng frowned tightly. Luo Wanqing looked at the figure on stage and also felt uneasy.

The young man danced slowly above, his movements clean and decisive, sometimes joyful, sometimes sorrowful. After listening briefly, Luo Wanqing realized this musical piece was “Melody of Missing Parents.”

And the dance performed by the person on stage matched the story of this piece.

This piece praised Shun’s filial piety.

Shun was born in humble circumstances—his father was blind, his mother dead, his stepmother unkind, and his brother Xiang was arrogant and unruly. Yet he remained extremely kind to his family. When his family tried to kill him, he avoided them without fighting back. When his family fell into trouble, he immediately helped them.

The performer’s musical skill was superb, and though the solo dancer on stage had ordinary technique, his emotions were genuine. When he finally knelt submissively on the ground as the music gradually quieted, all the candles in the hall fully lit up.

Li Zong watched the stage quietly without speaking. People exchanged glances, then suddenly someone began clapping vigorously, and applause thundered through the hall.

Everyone could see this was no ordinary dance performance.

Shun was a filial son and also an emperor.

The person dancing for Li Zong here was no ordinary person.

But everyone was puzzled about who was under the mask.

Luo Wanqing stared at the stage, her heart beating fast. Li Zong picked up his tea cup, took a sip, and slowly said, “Shun was born with noble character—as a brother, he didn’t compete; as a son, he was greatly filial. If I could have such a son, I would be greatly pleased.”

With that, Li Zong looked up at the stage, “Who is the dancer?”

Hearing this, the young man on stage slowly raised his head and removed his mask.

A handsome, gentle face gradually appeared before everyone. Xie Heng lowered his head to drink tea. Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but clench her fists.

Li Zong looked at the person on stage with a half-smile. “Guiyu, why did you dance today?”

“Has Father Emperor forgotten?” Li Guiyu smiled, “Today is the anniversary of Father Emperor and Mother Consort’s wedding. Without Father Emperor and Mother Consort, there would be no son. As both subject and son, I should naturally present this ceremony today to thank my parents for bringing me into this world.”

Hearing this, Li Zong was startled and instinctively looked at Wang Lianyang beside him. Wang Lianyang was also somewhat surprised. Only then did everyone belatedly remember that when Wang Lianyang became a side consort and entered the Eastern Palace, it was indeed the fifteenth day.

But it had been so long that everyone had somewhat forgotten.

Now that Li Guiyu mentioned it, seeming to cast aside his identity as a prince and simply being their child, he looked up at Li Zong with eyes full of joy, “Father Emperor, people often say sons are the continuation of their father’s life. What Father Emperor doesn’t remember, your son remembers for you. Look, doesn’t this bring it back?”

Li Zong didn’t speak. When Li Guiyu brought it up, he remembered those years in the Eastern Palace. Li Zong’s ascension wasn’t peaceful, and Wang Lianyang had followed him through it all. Moved in his heart, looking up at Li Guiyu and remembering his childhood appearance, Li Zong couldn’t help but soften.

“Well said,” Li Zong nodded, “What the imperial family needs is family harmony and reunion. My son has the bearing of Yao and Shun—I’m extremely pleased. Speaking of which, I’ve been thinking of rewarding you recently. Today, you’ve given me a reason. Come,” Li Zong leaned forward, testing, “Guiyu, is there anything you’d like to ask of Father Emperor?”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu’s expression became somewhat subdued. “What I want to ask for today might not be appropriate.”

Hearing this, Li Zong was puzzled, and everyone else was quite curious.

Actually, everyone understood that as a prince, what Li Guiyu should ask for now was most appropriately authority to help him stand more firmly.

But what could be inappropriate to mention?

“Just say it.”

Li Zong became interested, “As long as it’s reasonable, speak freely.”

“I…” Li Guiyu hesitated, instinctively glancing at Zheng Pingsheng, then pressed his lips together as if making a great decision, suddenly kowtowing, “I wish to seek recognition for my late wife Luo Wanqing!”

Hearing this, Xie Heng suddenly looked up sharply, and Luo Wanqing’s breath caught instantly.

Li Guiyu kowtowed on the ground, his voice hoarse, “Father Emperor, when I was in Jiangnan, I was already betrothed to the Luo family. Lady Luo was imprisoned for her crimes, so we couldn’t complete the wedding. But my betrothal to Lady Luo was already set—she was my wife. Now her lonely soul is buried in Lingnan Road, and I cannot sleep day or night. Please, Father Emperor, show mercy and allow me to welcome Lady Luo into the prince’s mansion, posthumously conferring upon her the rank of princess consort, establishing a cenotaph. When her remains are found, she will be buried with me in the future. If Father Emperor would grant this,” Li Guiyu raised his head, tears in his eyes, but his expression extremely resolute, “I would die without regret!”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Luo Wanqing: “I’m not speaking—do you think I’m dead?”

Xie Heng: “I’m not speaking—do you think I’m dead?”