◎Some people’s names are destined never to be placed together◎

Jiqing paused, seeming somewhat hesitant. Luo Wanqing observed him and spoke leisurely: “If you tell me, I won’t make things difficult for you regarding the testimony matter. If you don’t speak, I can investigate anyway—every person and object you’ve contacted today, I’ll check them one by one, and there will always be a result. But at that time, the deal between the clerk and me will no longer exist.”

Luo Wanqing stepped forward and bent slightly: “I believe Clerk Ji is a smart person.”

Hearing these words, Jiqing pressed his lips together and finally said: “It’s a bird.”

Luo Wanqing tilted her head. Jiqing grew somewhat nervous, gripping his sleeves tightly, and said in a low voice: “The Zheng family gave me a whistle. After blowing it, this type of bird can follow the sound to find me.”

“Did you blow it last night?”

“Every night I…” Jiqing lowered his head. “Receive messages.”

No wonder Zhang Yiran was hiding so tightly. The Supervision Department was almost there, yet Zheng Bikui could still intercept them.

Luo Wanqing smiled and continued: “When did they give you the whistle?”

“When I first worked for the Zheng family, for convenient communication…” Jiqing spoke vaguely, “Later in Jiangnan, I also had to do some cleanup work for the Zheng family.”

“I understand.”

Luo Wanqing nodded, then extended her hand toward him: “Where’s the letter?”

“Burned.” Jiqing spoke truthfully, “I was afraid someone would discover it.”

“What did last night’s letter say?”

“The letter said that last night Lord Zhang reported to His Majesty and was nearly killed by Young Master Zheng,” Jiqing pressed his lips together, “Now the young master has returned home to drink tea, Lord Zhang is confined to the Supervision Department, and they should come looking for me today.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing and Zhang Yiran exchanged glances.

Indeed, as they had expected, Zheng Bikui’s elaborate performance was all for Jiqing’s sake.

Now that Zhang Yiran had truly appeared before Jiqing as the Zheng family had claimed, no matter what they said, Jiqing would no longer dare to come forward and identify them.

Luo Wanqing nodded and didn’t make things difficult for him anymore, saying: “I understand. Alright then, Clerk Ji should pack up. This afternoon I’ll process the paperwork for Clerk Ji, and you can leave.”

Hearing this, Jiqing looked up in surprise: “You’re letting me go?”

“Yes, I’ve found other evidence,” Luo Wanqing smiled. As soon as she said this, Zhang Yiran also looked over in surprise.

Luo Wanqing turned back to Zhang Yiran: “Lord Zhang, since we have other evidence, shall we release Clerk Ji?”

“That would be best!”

Zhang Yiran was somewhat pleased to hear this and looked toward Jiqing, then suddenly remembered something and quickly bowed to Jiqing: “Mr. Ji, this humble one has been presumptuous all this way, causing Mr. Ji alarm. Please forgive me.”

Hearing this, Jiqing still couldn’t quite process what was happening and stared blankly at Luo Wanqing and Zhang Yiran.

Seeing Jiqing in a daze, Luo Wanqing waved her hand in front of him and called: “Clerk Ji, come back to your senses. Pack your things and return to Yangzhou. However, there’s one more thing I must let Clerk Ji know. Last night, Young Master Zheng did indeed attempt to harm Lord Zhang in the palace hall, but I stopped him. He indeed didn’t suffer any major harm and hasn’t been punished yet. But last night, it wasn’t only Lord Zhang who nearly died.”

Jiqing couldn’t quite understand and looked confused. Luo Wanqing smiled and said: “Last night in the great hall, when Zheng Bikui attacked Lord Zhang, our Department Head immediately drew his bow, aimed at his head, and shot an arrow.”

Jiqing’s eyes widened in complete disbelief: “Shot an arrow?”

“Yes, right here.” Luo Wanqing pointed to her forehead and explained carefully: “If Young Master Zheng hadn’t knelt quickly, Clerk Ji would only be able to see Young Master Zheng again in the underworld or the endless hell in the future. What a pity—when Young Master Zheng saw the arrow coming, he immediately knelt. It only shattered his hair ornament, and he wasn’t seriously hurt. Our Department Head punished the criminal in the palace hall and even received His Majesty’s praise.”

As she spoke, a guard’s announcement came from outside: “Commander Liu, the Department Head has returned and requests your presence.”

Hearing that Xie Heng had returned, Zhang Yiran became somewhat excited and immediately said: “Department Head Xie has returned?”

“Mr. Ji,” Luo Wanqing didn’t immediately respond to the summons, but instead placed her hand on Jiqing’s shoulder and explained seriously: “Lord Zhang is here as a guest at our Supervision Department. Once the Department Head clarifies the case, it will be pushed forward. The Zheng family is indeed powerful, but nothing in this world remains eternally unchanged. Clerk Ji,” Luo Wanqing patted Jiqing’s shoulder and smiled, “I won’t come to see you off this afternoon. Take care.”

After saying this, Luo Wanqing turned and beckoned Zhang Yiran to leave.

Coming out of Jiqing’s room, Zhang Yiran held back for a long time before finally speaking: “What evidence did Xiniang discover?”

“There’s a problem with that confession.”

Luo Wanqing spoke, and Zhang Yiran frowned: “The confession was written by Jiqing, so of course, there’s a problem. But if Jiqing won’t testify…”

“Luo Qushu could read.”

Luo Wanqing spoke, and Zhang Yiran was startled, then quickly realized: “You know him?”

“I know his daughter,” Luo Wanqing didn’t elaborate, explaining: “His daughter told me about him.”

With this explanation, Zhang Yiran didn’t speculate further. After all, Luo Wanqing came from Yangzhou prison, so knowing someone else who was imprisoned there wasn’t strange.

“But how does this help?” Zhang Yiran thought about it and analyzed: “This can only prove that Luo Qushu might have been framed, but it still can’t prove that Zheng Pingsheng has problems.”

“With this lead, we can apply to continue investigating.” Luo Wanqing analyzed, “Jiqing has things related to his dealings with Zheng Pingsheng. Doesn’t Zhou Chun have any? But this is also a method of last resort. For now, the main focus is still on keeping a close eye on Jiqing.”

“Didn’t you let him go?”

Zhang Yiran was somewhat surprised. Luo Wanqing looked at him helplessly.

“Can he survive if he goes out?”

Luo Wanqing finally told the truth: “Letting him out is just to let him face the storm. From the moment you discovered him, Lord Zhang,” Luo Wanqing sighed, “unless the Zheng family is finished, he has no way to survive.”

These words left Zhang Yiran stunned in place. Luo Wanqing, thinking Zhang Yiran might blame himself, turned back and said: “But Lord Zhang needn’t worry too much.” Saying this, Luo Wanqing smiled: “I’ll protect all of you.”

The two went up the mountain one after the other, with Luo Wanqing leading Zhang Yiran into Xie Heng’s small courtyard.

The weather was quite good today. Although it was still somewhat cold, the sunlight had taken on the appearance of spring.

Xie Heng had been back for some time. He had changed out of his court robes and wore a white robe with silver threading. Qingya knelt not far across from him, brewing tea. Seeing Luo Wanqing enter with Zhang Yiran, he looked up and smiled: “Commander Liu and Lord Zhang have arrived.”

Hearing Qingya’s words, Xie Heng finally raised his head. He glanced at Luo Wanqing and Zhang Yiran. Though he seemed no different from usual, he somehow felt much gentler than normal.

The two first paid their respects to Xie Heng. Xie Heng nodded lightly, then gestured to Zhang Yiran: “Lord Zhang, please take the seat of honor.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran followed Xie Heng’s words and moved forward, sitting across from Xie Heng. Qingya served tea from behind Zhang Yiran, and Luo Wanqing walked to sit on the cushion behind Xie Heng.

“Regarding yesterday’s incident, His Majesty has asked me to investigate on his behalf.” Xie Heng put down his documents and looked up at Zhang Yiran. “I don’t want to beat around the bush. I’ve always admired Lord Zhang’s character and have heard something about this case, but… given the current situation, Lord Zhang surely understands.”

Xie Heng looked meaningfully at Zhang Yiran, who immediately became somewhat indignant: “This official understands. After all, the Peach Blossom Spring is under construction, and His Majesty has some extra expenses every year. The Ministry of Revenue won’t approve…”

“Some things need not be spoken aloud,” Xie Heng interrupted him, but understood that Zhang Yiran wasn’t entirely naive. He gripped his teacup and said slowly: “Since you understand, you should know how His Majesty is thinking. This case—does Lord Zhang still want to handle it?”

“Yes.”

Zhang Yiran spoke without hesitation. Xie Heng calmly pressed: “Even knowing that any evidence gathered will merely become a pawn in others’ games, and your own life will become someone else’s sword—you still want to handle it?”

“Is there no other way?”

Hearing Xie Heng’s nearly explicit warning, Zhang Yiran couldn’t help but clench his fists and cry out urgently: “Don’t the people of this world have any conscience at all?!”

Xie Heng said nothing and lowered his head to drink tea. Zhang Yiran suddenly thought of something and looked up urgently: “Department Head Xie, you’ve helped me greatly. I know you’re also a good person. You know this case—the Luo family died unjustly. You’re the Department Head of the Supervision Department. Can you just watch the people suffer injustice and ignore it?”

“I never helped.”

Xie Heng spoke, and Zhang Yiran was stunned.

Xie Heng’s face showed no emotion as he looked up at Zhang Yiran: “I have never helped Lord Zhang with anything. Lord Zhang must not misunderstand. Most people in this world are driven by human desires. The two words ‘conscience’ are too cheap—before power and influence, they’ve long been ground to dust.”

Zhang Yiran understood that Xie Heng was trying to distance himself from any connection to this case, and felt somewhat hurt.

He suppressed his emotions and asked somewhat confused: “Then… what did Department Head Xie want to say by calling me here?”

“I just wanted to ask Lord Zhang’s intentions. Now you know the result. If you want to continue handling the case, I’ll report to His Majesty and send the case to the Imperial Censorate to be personally supervised by His Majesty. From now on, this case will report directly to His Majesty.”

Direct reporting meant that no one else would know the truth in between. All evidence would reach Li Zong’s hands, and whether he wanted to keep it, destroy it, or use it would be entirely up to Li Zong.

Zhang Yiran pressed his lips tightly, clearly unable to accept this. Xie Heng took a sip of tea and continued: “If you decide to give up, I’ll also find a reason, saying you were deceived by criminals and misunderstood the Zheng family. When the storm passed,” Xie Heng looked up, “His Majesty should give you a promotion.”

As a reward for his concession.

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran laughed mockingly.

Xie Heng looked at him and only asked: “What will it be?”

Luo Wanqing heard this question and looked up at Zhang Yiran. Zhang Yiran smiled without speaking. Luo Wanqing thought for a moment and said softly, “Young master, this matter is serious. Perhaps let Lord Zhang think it over…”

“I want to take this case.”

Zhang Yiran spoke with certainty, looking firmly at Xie Heng: “Please report to His Majesty, Department Head Xie.”

What he cared about was the grain and supplies the Qin family of Jiangnan could provide, the military strength of the Northern Fourth Army, and a Supervision Department that could fully execute his will. For him, what she worried and fretted about was too small, too insignificant.

She quietly digested the information Xie Heng had given her, analyzing his way of thinking and his style of doing things.

Seeing her long silence, Xie Heng turned his head and smiled: “Why aren’t you speaking?”

“Young master’s foresight is divine,” Luo Wanqing spoke slowly, looking up: “Actually, in young master’s heart, Li Guiyu doesn’t amount to much, does he?”

“He’s extremely clever, but unfortunately, too focused on minute details.” Xie Heng evaluated, then thought of something and turned to look at Luo Wanqing: “So our Qingqing needn’t fear him. Sooner or later, you’ll surpass him.”

Luo Wanqing was amused by him and said softly, “I’m not afraid of him.”

“Really?” Xie Heng didn’t believe it. “You lose your composure the moment you see him. If you’re not afraid of him, surely you can’t be concerned about him?”

“I’m afraid of you.” Luo Wanqing spoke truthfully. Xie Heng looked over in confusion, and Luo Wanqing said seriously, “In my dream, you died by his hand.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng thought for a moment, then smiled: “Then it seems I committed suicide.”

Saying this, he added somewhat indignantly: “How could I possibly die by his hand?”

Seeing his childishness, Luo Wanqing suppressed a smile and stood up: “I won’t talk with the young master anymore. I need to find Lord Zhang first, then find someone else.”

“Who are you looking for?”

Xie Heng immediately asked. Luo Wanqing glanced at him and said helplessly, “Someone who can write storybooks to write one for me.”

“I have someone to recommend.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked up in surprise. Xie Heng said seriously: “Xuanshan.”

Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised: “Xuanshan?”

“He has a pen name and specializes in writing romantic storybooks. I heard it’s to relieve work stress, and they’re quite popular.” Xie Heng pondered, then quickly added: “Don’t say I told you. Just say it was Qingya.”

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng in shock, somewhat unable to agree.

Thinking of Xuanshan’s stern, unsmiling face writing romantic story books made her feel somewhat horrified, but she still inquired: “What’s his pen name?”

“Romantic Young Gentleman.”

Luo Wanqing had heard this name. Two years ago, he wrote “Mountain Rain in One Night,” which was a bestseller and is currently Great Xia’s most popular story book author.

She never expected it to be him. Luo Wanqing felt both fortunate and amused, but thinking it would be impolite to laugh out loud, she suppressed her amusement and nodded seriously: “I understand.”

“Just go find him. No need to leave the Supervision Department.”

Xie Heng supported his chin with his hand, calculating: “Half an hour to see Lord Zhang, another half hour to find him. So after one hour,” Xie Heng looked up, his eyes carrying some anticipation, “will Xiniang return?”

Luo Wanqing was speechless for a moment and sighed: “We’ll see how it goes.”

“Also,” Xie Heng called to stop Luo Wanqing. Luo Wanqing looked up in confusion and saw Xie Heng smile: “In the future, if you want to ask me something, just ask directly.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing smiled: “Young master knows what I want to ask?”

“You’re testing whether Lord Zhang getting this case was whose idea, right?” Xie Heng understood.

Luo Wanqing didn’t hide it and said directly: “Since the young master doesn’t even take the Third Prince seriously, how difficult could it be for you to give me this case? This case—it’s not that His Majesty doesn’t want to give it to me, it’s that the young master doesn’t want to give it.”

“If you want to win, Zhang Yiran is more suitable than you.”

Xie Heng advised, but Luo Wanqing only smiled: “I’ll go first.”

Saying this, Luo Wanqing turned and went down the mountain to find Zhang Yiran. Xie Heng watched her retreating figure. After waiting a while, Qingya returned.

When he came back, he carried an official seal, which he tossed over: “I just met Zhuque at the foot of the mountain. He said he stole your official seal back.”

“Efficient work.”

Xie Heng took the official seal and smiled as he examined it in his hands.

Qingya was somewhat puzzled and adjusted his robes as he walked up the corridor: “Why did you steal the Ministry of Revenue’s official seal for no good reason?”

Xie Heng smiled without answering and stood up: “Some private business.”

“Young master,” Qingya smiled as he called to him. Xie Heng looked up, and Qingya observed him: “I feel you haven’t been quite yourself lately.”

“Oh?”

“You seem to have more and more private business,” Qingya said with a smile.

Xie Heng paused. Qingya inquired gently: “Young master, are the plans still unchanged?”

Xie Heng remained silent.

He listened to Qingya’s words, only feeling Luo Wanqing’s warm blood cooling him bit by bit. He stood at the door blocked by shadows. After a long time, he said softly, “They should remain unchanged.”

“Oh?”

“I made a bet,” Xie Heng lowered his eyes, “I must win.”

“Since it’s a certain victory, why not stop now?” Qingya smiled: “The result would be the same anyway.”

“Preparing everything naturally takes time. Making a bet along the way does no great harm.”

“It’s because the young master is too immersed in such times, isn’t it?” Qingya spoke, and Xie Heng’s entire body froze.

Qingya looked at him, his eyes filled with nostalgia, remembering someone, and said slowly: “Before I last saw Changxi, I stayed in the Eastern Capital for a month. That month, I had no missions, didn’t need to think about anything, and could see her every day. What I thought about most was when she would come again, when we would meet again, and how long we could see each other when we did meet.”

Xie Heng listened, unconsciously gripping the Ministry of Revenue’s official seal tightly.

Qingya’s expression gradually darkened: “At that time, I thought we would have many such times together. But then I left the Eastern Capital, and when I returned, not only could I not see her, but I never again had such carefree days. Life felt like a wheel rolling downhill—once started, there’s no peace. I regretted it and could only think, why didn’t I stay in the Eastern Capital longer then, to make such times last a little longer?”

Xie Heng said nothing.

Qingya seemed to realize he had said too much and quickly said, “Forgive me, remembering the past suddenly was somewhat improper.”

“Mm.”

Xie Heng responded with a sound. Watching Qingya bow, he said: “Young master, please attend to your business. I’ll continue brewing tea.”

“Qingya,” Xie Heng spoke. Qingya turned to look, and heard Xie Heng say calmly: “This time won’t be very long. In my entire life,” Xie Heng lowered his head and said softly, “it’s too short.”

Qingya remained silent. He knelt on the ground, slowly brewing tea.

Xie Heng walked into the room. Qingya somehow remembered many years ago when Cui Changxi had pointed to the young master in the carriage and said, “Qingya, look, this is my cousin Xie Heng. Everyone says he’s incredibly capable.”

At that time, the young man in the carriage looked at him with coldness and distance, glanced once, then directly lowered the curtain: “Mediocre talent—how can he be worthy of my sister?”

Later, the last time he saw Cui Changxi was at Qingyun Ferry. She pulled him and told him, “Qingya, don’t let me die by A’Heng’s hand. He would be sad. You do it. If you feel guilty, just watch over A’Heng for me.”

He couldn’t cry, nor could he smile.

In the end, he used her life to exchange for the privilege of not being held accountable despite being a retainer of the Cui family.

And the young man who had once said, “Mediocre talent—how can he be worthy of my sister?” only glanced at him once, then turned and said: “Throw the remains of the criminal woman Cui Changxi into the mass grave.”

He had done this thing of stealing the Ministry of Revenue’s official seal before.

Qingya smiled.

Some people’s names are destined never to be placed together.

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Qingya: “What are you stealing the Ministry of Revenue’s official seal for?”

Xie Heng: “Marriage.”

Qingya: “Good grief, why don’t you just open your own civil affairs bureau?”

Xie Heng: “That’s not entirely impossible…”

[Mini Theater 2]

Xie Heng: “What? Did I die by Li Guiyu’s hand? Impossible! That must be suicide. I could die by anyone’s hand but not his!!”

The romance is about done, time to start running the plot. But don’t worry, the little couple’s feelings are always mutual, their relationship won’t have much turbulence. I’m just running the plot, I’m not wielding a knife. There’s still some distance before the angst…