◎I’ve Told Xie Lingshu About My Willingness◎

When Xie Heng left the palace, Luo Wanqing had just returned to the Supervision Department with Zhang Yiran.

She got off the carriage first, then raised her hand to help Zhang Yiran: “Minister Zhang, be careful.”

“It’s nothing.” Zhang Yiran jumped down from the carriage, waving his hand: “Xiniang needn’t be so formal.”

Luo Wanqing nodded and withdrew her hand, not thinking much of it. She led Zhang Yiran into the Supervision Department and had someone arrange a room for him.

Zhang Yiran followed behind Luo Wanqing. This was his first time in the inner courtyard of the Supervision Department. He looked around, then couldn’t help saying: “Xiniang, where is Jiqing?”

“Held in another area. I’ll take you to see him tomorrow.”

Luo Wanqing answered casually, leading Zhang Yiran forward.

Zhang Yiran saw no one around and that Luo Wanqing wasn’t talking to him, feeling quite uneasy. After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke: “Xiniang, I apologize for tonight.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing turned back puzzled and saw Zhang Yiran looking somewhat uneasy: “I had promised to give you this case, but tonight I acted impulsively…”

“Was it really impulsive?” Luo Wanqing understood, chuckling lightly: “I’m afraid Minister Zhang has been thinking about this for a long time.”

Zhang Yiran paused. Seeing his thoughts exposed, he didn’t continue hiding it, only saying: “Indeed, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. It’s just that tonight provided the opportunity, so I made the decision.”

Zhang Yiran spoke, then looked up at Luo Wanqing with a frank expression: “I apologize. I think it’s more appropriate for me to handle this case.”

“Why?” Luo Wanqing’s tone was light: “Minister Zhang should know this case isn’t easy. You nearly died in the great hall today.”

“If I had died in the great hall,” Zhang Yiran smiled, “then this case would have a way forward.”

Luo Wanqing fell silent. She understood that Zhang Yiran knew everything.

The dangers and turmoil he would face taking this case – he was clear about all of it.

And he himself knew that with Zhang Yiran’s power alone, this case couldn’t be pushed forward at all. But if he died in the great hall, then Zheng Bikui would be challenging imperial dignity, and with Zhang Yiran’s reputation among the upright officials, the empire would certainly be shocked and outraged.

Luo Wanqing was momentarily moved, couldn’t help saying: “Is it worth it?”

Speaking thus, she raised her eyes: “The Luo family has no relation to you. I know Minister Zhang mentioned the childhood engagement only because you didn’t want Miss Luo’s departed soul to be humiliated. Why must Minister Zhang do this?”

“My own family’s vengeance… insufficient evidence, so let it be.” Zhang Yiran thought: “But now there’s a case with evidence and opportunity, just lacking someone to push it forward. Since I’ve seen it, how can I turn a blind eye? Isn’t this what I studied and became an official for?”

“But you still have Aunt Zhao.”

Luo Wanqing reminded him. Zhang Yiran was startled, finally showing some unease in his eyes.

Luo Wanqing smiled, turning to lead Zhang Yiran: “Minister Zhang, I greatly admire people like you, but I’m just a commoner. For someone like me, the living people around me are more important. Being a filial son, a loyal friend, a good wife, a responsible mother – being able to be a good person and live well in this world is already enough. This case – if Minister Zhang can push it, then push it. If there’s danger, don’t force it.”

Luo Wanqing glanced at Zhang Yiran, advising: “Think of Aunt Zhao.”

Zhang Yiran remained silent, listening to Luo Wanqing’s words as he followed her. Finally he said: “Then what about you, Xiniang?”

Luo Wanqing opened the room door and heard Zhang Yiran standing behind her, puzzled: “You use my mother to advise me, but why do you want to take this case?”

“Because I have no one left around me.”

Luo Wanqing led Zhang Yiran into the room. With her back to him, she said softly: “I have no family left. I’m all alone. Fighting them to the death, I have no worries.”

“If Shadow Envoy Cui were here, would you still do this?”

Zhang Yiran spoke, and Luo Wanqing paused.

She faced away from Zhang Yiran, not immediately responding. Zhang Yiran considered his words: “I can see that you and Shadow Envoy Cui had extraordinary feelings. If he were here, would you still make this choice?”

Luo Wanqing was silent for a moment, then said slowly: “He would let me make this choice.”

“My mother would too.”

Zhang Yiran continued, seeming to think: “Everything I do was taught by my mother. If she saw such injustice, she would interfere too. Moreover…”

Zhang Yiran smiled, somewhat helplessly: “When the heart is set on something, sometimes there’s no time to think too much. If it’s something you desperately want to do, you’ll naturally act impulsively.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing suddenly remembered that day returning from Plum Garden, Xie Heng’s words: “People are not grass or trees – emotions disturb them. If one could always maintain perfect composure, it would only be because it’s not important enough.”

She was speechless for a moment, only able to smile bitterly: “Minister Zhang is right too. But now discussing this has no meaning. You’ve already accused them before His Majesty. You probably can’t escape involvement anymore. You can only be this early bird and endure the hardships properly.”

“That’s perfect then.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran also relaxed, joking: “I’ve always been hiding behind you, Xiniang. This time let you see what I’m capable of.”

“Then I’ll wait and see. But what Minister Zhang needs to solve first now—” Luo Wanqing pointed toward where Jiqing was staying, reminding: “Is Jiqing.”

“He still won’t testify?”

“He won’t.” Luo Wanqing shook her head: “He’s too afraid of the Zheng family.”

Zhang Yiran didn’t speak. Seeing him thinking, Luo Wanqing didn’t say more: “Alright, it’s getting late and Minister Zhang has been drinking. You should rest first. We’ll discuss specifics after Young Master returns and I inquire about the situation. The attendant is at the door – call him if you need anything. I’ll go first.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran bowed in salute, seeing Luo Wanqing out.

Coming out from Zhang Yiran’s place, Luo Wanqing felt her whole body relax. She should have gone up the mountain, but her heart was concerned about Xie Heng.

Thinking of the handkerchief Xie Heng didn’t get to wrap around her hand, she felt uneasy. She originally wanted to suppress her emotions and return to the mountain, but thinking of Xie Heng, thinking of her conversation with Zhang Yiran, her heart sank. She simply went out directly, learned that Xie Heng was still in the palace, and planned to meet him.

But just as she stepped outside, she felt someone watching her. Luo Wanqing alertly looked up and saw in the direction of the gaze a carriage waiting quietly in the shadows.

That carriage had no markings and was just an ordinary carriage in appearance, but Luo Wanqing instinctively felt something was wrong. Without much thought, she walked directly toward the carriage.

As soon as she approached, the coachman’s muscles tensed. Luo Wanqing glanced and knew this coachman was trained – definitely not an ordinary person.

She withdrew her gaze and walked directly past the front of the carriage. Before the coachman could stop her, Luo Wanqing had already knocked on the carriage window, saying coldly: “Supervision Department investigating – get out.”

No one responded from inside the carriage. Luo Wanqing only sensed one person’s presence.

The coachman hurriedly got down, saying urgently: “Inspector, we’re just resting briefly in the alley…”

“If you’re just resting, let me take a look.” Luo Wanqing coldly glanced at the coachman: “Why all the secrecy?”

“You…”

“Xie Xu, stand down.”

A middle-aged man’s voice came from inside the carriage. The coachman stiffened, then reluctantly responded: “Yes.”

With that, the coachman retreated to outside the alley. Hearing the surname “Xie,” Luo Wanqing had some guesses in her heart and respectfully said: “May I ask why you’ve been waiting in front of the Supervision Department tonight?”

“I was originally waiting for him. I heard today he nearly shot and killed the Zheng family’s eldest son in the hall.”

The middle-aged man’s tone carried weariness. He didn’t mention names, but Luo Wanqing instantly knew the other party’s identity and intention.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing feared the other party might misunderstand and hurriedly said: “It was Young Master Zheng who committed violence in the hall, intending to murder a censor…”

“I taught him myself – I know his temperament.”

The middle-aged man’s tone was full of understanding: “He has ten thousand ways to punish Zheng Bikui, yet he chose the most impulsive one. He wasn’t solving the problem but taking the opportunity for revenge, so I wanted to come see.”

With that, the other party lifted the carriage curtain, revealing a man’s elegant and handsome face.

He looked nearly fifty, with some white hair at his temples. His features bore some resemblance to Xie Heng, but were much calmer and gentler than Xie Heng’s.

Luo Wanqing stared at the other party in a daze. In the dark night, the other party’s gaze rested on Luo Wanqing with some kindness in his eyes, saying softly: “So it’s such a young lady.”

“Sir…”

Not expecting to be seen through with just one action, Luo Wanqing felt quite uneasy.

She couldn’t figure out the relationship between Xie Heng and the person before her, so could only say vaguely: “Sir misunderstands. Young Master was only maintaining His Majesty’s dignity.”

The other party didn’t speak, only smiled, looked up at the Supervision Department, and after thinking for a moment, took out a token from his sleeve and handed it to Luo Wanqing.

This token had no words on it. The other party said softly: “If you need help with anything, you can come to the Xie residence to find me. I’m usually in the study of the East Third Courtyard, but don’t let anyone notice.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing took the token and said softly: “Yes.”

“With his temperament, continuing to act this way, his life won’t be long.” The middle-aged man lowered the carriage curtain, saying softly: “I trouble you, young lady, to guide him toward a path of life.”

These words made Luo Wanqing’s heart tremble. The other party didn’t say more, calling out: “Let’s go.”

With that, the coachman called Xie Xu came from the alley, glared at Luo Wanqing, got on the carriage, and drove away.

Luo Wanqing bowed to see the other party off. Holding the token in her hand, after thinking for a moment, she hid the token in her sleeve and quickly headed along the route Xie Heng must take returning from the palace.

After walking briefly, she saw Xie Heng’s carriage. Luo Wanqing leaped down from the wall, startling Zhuque who immediately drew her sword: “Who?!”

“Uh…” Not expecting Zhuque to be so alert, Luo Wanqing was startled, feeling somewhat embarrassed: “Zhuque Envoy, it’s me.”

Zhuque realized and was quite surprised: “Inspector Liu? What are you doing jumping down from the wall in the middle of the night? I thought you were an assassin.”

“I apologize for startling Zhuque Envoy.”

Luo Wanqing bowed, then realized she had been somewhat impulsive, hurriedly saying: “I have something urgent I want to report to Young Master.”

“What matter can’t wait a moment? We’re almost at headquarters,” Zhuque was puzzled, “Did the Supervision Department catch fire?”

“No, no,” Luo Wanqing shook her head, then glanced at the carriage interior, saying vaguely: “A small matter – I was being anxious.”

“Get in and talk.”

Xie Heng’s voice finally came from inside, seeming somewhat weary. Hearing this, Zhuque stepped aside, opening the carriage door for Luo Wanqing. Luo Wanqing quickly bowed, stepped up into the carriage with one stride, and skillfully closed the carriage door.

Xie Heng’s carriage was specially made – with doors and windows closed, ordinary volume couldn’t be heard outside. He was sitting at the table reviewing documents. Seeing Luo Wanqing come up, he didn’t look up, saying softly: “What’s so urgent?”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak for a moment.

She didn’t know why she wanted to come meet him. Just as she was thinking, Xie Heng spoke: “Coming to ask about the results?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s thoughts immediately shifted, instinctively saying: “His Majesty has results?”

“Mm.” Xie Heng responded, knowing what Luo Wanqing cared about, so he spoke truthfully: “The case will be given to Zhang Yiran.”

“That’s too…”

“But there won’t be any results.”

As soon as Xie Heng said this, Luo Wanqing was startled, couldn’t help frowning: “Why?”

Speaking thus, Luo Wanqing immediately continued: “Today Zheng Bikui was planning to kill Minister Zhang right in the hall – His Majesty isn’t angry?”

“Angry,” Xie Heng said calmly, “but the Grand Empress Dowager’s Peach Blossom Garden is still under construction.”

“What does that mean?” Luo Wanqing didn’t understand.

Xie Heng explained: “Peach Blossom Garden is a suburban estate being built to celebrate the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday. It costs enormously. When His Majesty originally proposed it, the Ministry of Revenue rejected it due to tight treasury funds. It was Zheng Pingsheng who led the donations.”

Listening, Luo Wanqing gradually understood. Even the Son of Heaven seemed no different from those corrupt officials.

She found it somewhat incomprehensible: “Then… then if that’s the case, why still let Minister Zhang investigate?”

“Without letting Zhang Yiran investigate thoroughly, how can we help Zheng Pingsheng gain innocence?”

Xie Heng spoke. Luo Wanqing instantly understood what Li Zong intended to do. She looked at Xie Heng incredulously, but Xie Heng raised his eyes to look at her, saying calmly: “Xiniang, I told you – you can’t win.”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak.

She instantly understood why Xie Heng had never even considered reporting them initially, but directly chose assassination.

Why in the previous life, he had never cleared his own reputation.

Clearly it was the Crown Prince conniving with his consort to falsely accuse the Qin family over territorial disputes, resulting in loss of life, yet in the end it was his assassination plot;

Clearly it was the Eastern Palace’s Six Rate Army being corrupt and oppressing the people, yet in the end it was his false accusation;

Clearly it was those five hundred soldiers at Snow Spirit Valley being deceived and becoming sacrificial pawns for the Battle of Jade Pass, dying unjustly, yet in the end it was his massacre of Snow Spirit Valley’s five hundred men…

Clearly he had evidence and knew the truth, yet he never told anyone, only following his own laws, using any means necessary to judge the guilty.

And then—

Accepting guilt and submitting to execution under the Great Xia Law, carving out a new path.

Because he understood too clearly the rules of those in power, knew that all evidence would turn to dust before absolute authority. Knowing the outcome early, he had no heart to waste effort in vain.

Luo Wanqing thought through his reasoning and had long prepared herself, nodding: “Thank you for the reminder, Young Master.”

“Still want to gamble?”

Xie Heng understood her decision, reminding: “Now it’s Zhang Yiran at the gambling table. Do you also want to gamble?”

“I’ll tell Minister Zhang the results. If he’s willing, then Minister Zhang and I will gamble together.”

Luo Wanqing spoke firmly. Xie Heng’s pen grip paused. He seemed to be restraining himself with great effort, lowering his eyes and responding quietly: “Good.”

During their conversation, the carriage arrived at the Supervision Department. The two got off the carriage together. Xie Heng turned to glance at the sky and told Zhuque: “Zhuque, go sleep. Tonight Xiniang will keep watch.”

Hearing this, Zhuque was startled, then realized that although Li Zong hadn’t met with Luo Wanqing alone today, he had essentially shown her face. Luo Wanqing’s promotion to one of the Four Chiefs was internally decided, just waiting for notification.

One of the Four Chiefs’ responsibilities was taking turns guarding Xie Heng. Tonight should have been Baili’s watch, but now switching to Luo Wanqing was a form of acknowledgment.

Zhuque smiled happily, nodding: “Good, I’ll go first then.”

With that, he looked at Luo Wanqing, quietly bowing: “Inspector Liu, congratulations.”

Luo Wanqing politely nodded. After Zhuque left, Xie Heng turned to lead her up the mountain.

The two didn’t say a word. Luo Wanqing followed behind Xie Heng. She actually had many questions, but seeing Xie Heng’s weariness, she didn’t speak.

She quietly followed him. For some reason, with Xie Heng back and seeing this person, the unease in her heart dissipated. She felt that just walking together with this person made her somewhat happy.

The two walked one after the other. With nothing to do, Luo Wanqing deliberately stepped on his shadow with each step, taking small steps to chase him.

Xie Heng didn’t notice. When they reached the mountain, Xie Heng raised his hand: “You go rest.”

“Ah?” Luo Wanqing looked up in surprise: “Am I not keeping watch for Young Master?”

“Rest.” Xie Heng shook his head: “No need to keep watch tonight.”

With that, Xie Heng stepped toward the small courtyard. Luo Wanqing watched his back, instinctively wanting to keep him but not knowing how to speak.

She hesitated for a moment before saying: “Young Master!”

Xie Heng turned around. Luo Wanqing hesitantly raised her hand, somewhat embarrassed: “That… I came back but haven’t had time to see Dr. Wei yet, and it’s not good to disturb him now.”

Xie Heng looked up at her. Luo Wanqing tentatively asked: “Young Master… could you help me bandage it?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng’s gaze fell on her raised hand. He instinctively wanted to step forward but forcibly stopped himself. After thinking for a moment, he said softly: “It’s just a minor injury. Go back and practice the heart method for bone cultivation – it’ll heal quickly.”

“But…” Luo Wanqing spoke with some confusion: “Young Master wanted to bandage it for me earlier.”

“Everything has its timing,” Hearing this, Xie Heng turned to look into the distance, saying with some discomfort: “If it wasn’t that moment, then it’s not.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing awkwardly withdrew her hand, vaguely understanding what Xie Heng was concerned about, explaining softly: “But that moment wasn’t the right time.”

“Then when is the right time?”

Xie Heng couldn’t help speaking out. He looked up at her: “In a person’s life, when is it not about weighing pros and cons? If we only calculate gains and losses, which moment would ever be right?”

Luo Wanqing looked surprised, not expecting Xie Heng to rebut so intensely. She stared at Xie Heng blankly. Xie Heng also felt he had misspoken, but having said it, he didn’t want to take it back. He only turned to look aside, silent.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, then stepped forward tentatively: “Young Master is upset?”

“No.” Xie Heng immediately denied it, but didn’t look at her, only lowering his voice: “Just a bit tired, talking nonsense.”

“I know you’re not very happy tonight…” Luo Wanqing considered her words, slowly saying: “But everything has its reasons…”

“I know.” Xie Heng restrained his emotions, reassuring: “Xiniang needn’t say more. I understand all the pros and cons and results. Go sleep first.”

With that, Xie Heng was about to turn away, but Luo Wanqing grabbed him.

Xie Heng paused. Luo Wanqing tentatively stepped forward, embracing him from behind, coaxing softly: “Lingshu, don’t be upset, alright?”

It would have been better if Luo Wanqing hadn’t spoken. Once she did, Xie Heng somehow felt truly upset.

Sour grievances surged up instantly. This childlike emotion left him at a loss, feeling even more embarrassed.

He forcibly suppressed these inappropriate emotions, responding quietly: “Mm.”

Luo Wanqing heard his voice and thought: “I know Young Master is angry that I stopped you, but I was also thinking of Young Master. Actually… Luo Wanqing is already dead. Whether it’s childhood engagements or marriage contracts, they’re all false. Only Liu Xiniang is truly alive. Young Master, don’t be upset.”

Xie Heng didn’t dare say more, and fearing she’d notice his emotions, could only say softly: “Mm.”

“Be happy.”

Luo Wanqing poked her head around from behind him, smiling: “If you’re still not happy, I’ll have to kiss you.”

Xie Heng looked at the girl poking her head around, looking at her bright eyes. His lips trembled slightly. He wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent, only forcing out a smile: “I’ve never seen anyone coax people by threatening them.”

Luo Wanqing saw Xie Heng’s tone soften slightly and finally relaxed somewhat: “Happy now?”

Xie Heng chuckled softly: “I wasn’t really angry to begin with.”

“Liar.”

Luo Wanqing straightened up, let go of her hands, and stepped into his shadow, exposing him: “You weren’t even going to let me stay tonight.”

“You don’t like it anyway.”

Xie Heng turned away, speaking petulantly: “What’s the point of forcing you to stay?”

“Oh.”

Luo Wanqing nodded: “Alright then, I’ll go to sleep.”

Xie Heng stiffened, opening his mouth to keep her but finding it hard to speak.

He faced away from her, listening to her footsteps, then heard her say: “Oh, by the way, Grand Tutor Xie came to see me tonight.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng immediately turned around, frowning: “What did he want with you?”

“He seemed to… know about our relationship, so he came to see me.” Luo Wanqing touched her nose, concealing the information about the token, testing: “I don’t know if he’s friend or foe, so I didn’t talk much with him. If I see him again next time, Young Master,” Luo Wanqing looked up at Xie Heng, “can I trust him?”

“You can.”

Hearing that Xie Xiuqi hadn’t said anything, Xie Heng seemed somewhat disappointed. He turned away, saying calmly: “He’s my father.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing knew the weight of it.

At a time like this, for Xie Heng to still acknowledge Xie Xiuqi as his father meant that Xie Xiuqi should be on Xie Heng’s side and held considerable importance in Xie Heng’s heart.

Luo Wanqing had her plans, nodding: “I understand. Then you rest. I—”

Luo Wanqing drew out her tone. Xie Heng’s heart seized up, then he heard Luo Wanqing smile and turn away: “I have some business to handle. After I finish, I’ll come back. Young Master, leave a window open.”

With that, Luo Wanqing walked toward her small room without hesitation. Xie Heng listened to her footsteps fade away. After confirming she couldn’t hear him, he said softly: “Coming back so late, there’s no need to come.”

But after saying this, he closed his eyes in annoyance.

He could only speak when she couldn’t hear him.

Speaking like this was worse than not speaking at all.

Luo Wanqing quickly returned to her room, walking and calculating as she went.

Xie Heng had said before that there was only one thing that made him sad – that everyone in this world could have countless connections with her, except Xie Heng.

In the past, she always thought Xie Heng came from the Dao sect and acted as he pleased. But today, when Xie Xiuqi said “I taught him myself,” she realized that in his bones, Xie Heng had always been from an aristocratic family background.

He cared about propriety, reputation, and whether things were legitimate and above board.

For unimportant matters, he might be unconventional, but the more he treasured someone or something, the more he sought proper recognition.

So the night they confirmed their relationship, he had impulsively asked her about marriage. Upon returning to the Eastern Capital, he had given her Plum Garden.

She felt these were just empty titles of no importance, but seeing Xie Heng’s reaction tonight, he cared extremely much.

Thinking about it, Luo Wanqing found it somewhat amusing, yet felt her heart being held gently – warm and secure, with some inevitable softening.

She returned to her room, took out paper and ink, and carefully wrote a marriage contract. After the ink dried, she immediately went down the mountain and headed toward the Xie residence overnight.

The Xie residence was some distance from the Supervision Department. She traveled quickly through the night for nearly half an hour before seeing Xie Xiuqi’s carriage.

The carriage was moving slowly along the road. Luo Wanqing leaped down from above, calling out: “Sir!”

The carriage suddenly stopped. Xie Xu looked at Luo Wanqing warily: “What are you here for?”

“Master Xie,” Luo Wanqing walked to the side of the carriage, alertly scanned the surroundings, and after confirming no one was around, used a voice only she and Xie Xiuqi could hear, smiling: “This junior has a matter I’d like Master Xie’s help with.”

“What matter?” Xie Xiuqi’s tone was calm, with some curiosity.

Luo Wanqing took out the marriage contract, respectfully saying: “This junior wishes to marry your son Xie Heng. Tonight I’ve especially brought a marriage contract. This junior’s family elders are not in the Eastern Capital, so I can only first seek Master Xie’s consent. When the timing is right in the future, this junior will invite family elders to come and pay respects.”

Hearing this, Xie Xiuqi was silent for a long time, then laughed in the carriage.

He laughed quietly, lifted the carriage curtain, suppressed some of his amused expression, and said softly: “What’s your name?”

“I’m temporarily called Liu Xiniang.”

“You’ll change names in the future?”

“Yes.” Luo Wanqing answered honestly: “For certain reasons, this junior’s identity is temporarily inconvenient to reveal, but Young Master Xie knows.”

“How old are you?” Xie Xiuqi suppressed his laughter: “Too young won’t do, too old won’t do either.”

“Twenty this year.” Luo Wanqing immediately said, “Not too young.”

“What position do you currently hold?”

“About to be promoted to fourth-rank Four Chiefs of the Supervision Department.” Luo Wanqing knew Xie Xiuqi was joking, so she went along: “I’ve saved some money from Young Master Xie, enough to buy a small house in the Eastern Capital. I have some family wealth.”

“Your official rank might be a bit low for my son.” Xie Xiuqi teased Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing also smiled: “This junior is still young and will continue working hard.”

Xie Xiuqi was amused by Luo Wanqing, turned away trying to suppress his laughter. After a moment, he nodded: “Alright, bring the marriage contract.”

“Thank you!”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s eyes lit up, quickly handing over the marriage contract.

Xie Xiuqi hung the carriage curtain to the side, took the marriage contract from Luo Wanqing. The names on the marriage contract were still blank. He looked at it quietly. After a long time, he said, “I thought I’d never have the chance to write this name in my lifetime.”

Xie Xiuqi spoke, found the place for the groom’s father’s signature, and solemnly wrote his name.

After finishing, he waited for the ink to completely dry before returning the marriage contract to Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing happily received the marriage contract and heard Xie Xiuqi say seriously, “Young lady, treat him with sincerity, and he will repay you with his life. I hope you will grow old together and have a fulfilling marriage.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing paused. She looked up at Xie Xiuqi and said solemnly, “Master Xie, I don’t need him to repay me with his life. I only want him to live a long life and have a complete, fulfilling existence.”

Xie Xiuqi was startled. Luo Wanqing smiled and bowed: “Thank you, Master. I’m leaving.”

With that, Luo Wanqing touched her toes to the ground, leaped onto the eaves, and rushed back to the Supervision Department.

This round trip took nearly an hour. Xie Heng had been waiting in his room the entire time.

He had bathed and was reading documents, but his heart was always concerned about her. He somewhat hated himself for creating unnecessary trouble, yet couldn’t help resenting her heartlessness for being able to go out on business at a time like this.

While reviewing documents, he relit the lamp. When Luo Wanqing returned to the Supervision Department and came up the mountain, he heard the sound. Calculating the time, he looked back at the open window, listened to Luo Wanqing approaching, stood up, closed and locked the window, then extinguished the light and stood alone by the window, listening to her arrive outside.

He held his breath listening to her movements, then heard Luo Wanqing push slightly at the window, found it closed, and stopped moving.

He felt uneasy, somewhat afraid she had left, yet resentful that she would just try once and leave.

Just as he was struggling about opening the window, he heard Luo Wanqing say softly: “Young Master, Young Master, have you gone to sleep?”

Xie Heng pretended to be asleep and didn’t respond. Luo Wanqing said frankly, “I saw the light was still on in the room just now. I know you haven’t slept. Open the window – I have something for you.”

“No need.”

Xie Heng kept his hand on the window lock, his tone emotionless: “It’s too late now. The inspector should go back and sleep.”

Hearing his voice, Luo Wanqing knew he was right by the window. She couldn’t help but want to laugh. She thought for a moment, softening her voice: “I won’t leave. If I left, you’d probably be even angrier.”

“What does it matter if I’m angry?” Xie Heng lowered his eyes: “After all, I can’t leave Inspector anyway. Whether I’m angry or not makes no difference to the Inspector. Why should Inspector care?”

“Why can’t you leave?” Luo Wanqing leaned against the window. Across a window, she felt Xie Heng’s body warmth seeping through. She asked knowingly: “I haven’t restrained Young Master in any way. Young Master comes and goes freely – how can you not leave?”

“More than restrained,” Xie Heng felt Luo Wanqing’s presence and understood she was joking. “The heart is a person’s vital point. It’s in Inspector’s hands – how can I leave?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh, jokingly saying: “Since the heart is in my hands, if I squeeze it a little, will Young Master listen to me?”

“If you squeeze it, it will only hurt.” Xie Heng said unwillingly, “But I’ve always been able to endure. If you want to threaten me with this, I’m afraid it won’t work as you wish.”

Even at this point, he still wanted to be stubborn with her. Luo Wanqing had to admire this person.

But she also felt that, compared to Cui Heng or the past Young Master, this person seemed much more real.

Cui Heng was always joking – she couldn’t see through him;

Xie Heng was always concealing – she couldn’t see through him.

Only this person by the window would get angry, sad, sarcastic, and act spoiled, carrying Cui Heng’s petulance and Xie Heng’s dominance.

She quietly smiled, looking at the stars in the sky, slowly saying: “I went to see Young Master’s father earlier.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng’s breathing paused.

Luo Wanqing softened her voice: “I know Young Master cares about him, and I know Young Master values legitimacy. The current situation is special – I can’t give Young Master much, so I could only go find Master Xie and ask for his consent to sign a marriage contract for me.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng’s heart suddenly raced. He was at a loss, only saying with difficulty: “You… needn’t do such useless things.”

“I originally thought so too, but Young Master wasn’t happy.” Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes, slowly saying: “Young Master, I was born slow-witted and can’t give Young Master much. I can only think of what I can do. If there’s anything Young Master wants, please tell me. Life is short – I hope every moment Young Master spends with me, when you look back, will make you happy.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng felt those words like sweet, warm water, quietly dragging him down to drown, almost suffocating him in sweetness.

He heard sounds from nearby and saw a thin marriage contract being slipped through the window crack.

“I’ve signed my name. It shouldn’t be difficult for Young Master to quietly have the government seal it.” Luo Wanqing said calmly, “When I find my family in the future, I’ll have them sign their names too.”

Xie Heng turned to look at the marriage contract, feeling even his fingertips trembling.

“Having the government seal it and register it officially…” Xie Heng couldn’t help saying: “Aren’t you afraid Li Guiyu will discover it?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t respond. After a moment, she laughed.

“I’m afraid, but that’s Young Master’s concern. Whether Inspector Xie can solve it is Inspector Xie’s business. But about my willingness,” Luo Wanqing spoke, finally lowering her voice, saying tenderly: “I’ve told Xie Lingshu.”

**Author’s Note:**

**[Mini Theater]**

Luo Wanqing: “Are you angry? Then I’ll go out for a bit.”

Xie Heng: “…”

*(Listening to Luo Wanqing walk away)*

Xie Heng: “Don’t you dare come back!!”

Luo Wanqing: “Young Master, I’m back.”

Xie Heng: “Locking the window tight – I’m not a man you can call and dismiss at will.”

Luo Wanqing: “I brought a marriage contract. Young Master Xie, may I marry you?”

Xie Heng: “…”

*Instantly opens the door*: “Wife!! You’re back!!!”

**[Mini Theater 2]**

Luo Wanqing: “Young Master, I’m very clumsy and don’t know how to coax people. I could only get a marriage contract to marry you. Please don’t be angry anymore, alright?”

Xie Heng: “…Liar.”

Luo Wanqing: “Huh?”

Xie Heng: “And you say you don’t know how to coax people!!”