◎Miss Luo, I’m Waiting for You◎

When Zhang Yiran emerged from the palace, Luo Wanqing was still considering how to explain Jiqing’s situation to him.

Jiqing had recovered well over the past few days and would leave tomorrow.

She had arranged a new identity for Jiqing, but for his safety, it was best that no one knew about this.

By rights, she should tell Zhang Yiran, but Zhang Yiran wasn’t someone who could keep his composure. If he knew Jiqing was still alive, people might notice something amiss.

Even if she were to tell him, it would have to wait until everything was settled.

Luo Wanqing was thinking this over when she heard the sound of shackles behind her. She immediately turned around to see Zhang Yiran already standing before the palace gates.

Here, the iron shackles could be removed. Luo Wanqing watched the prison guard remove Zhang Yiran’s leg irons, then stepped forward and bowed: “I’ve come on orders from the Supervision Department to escort Minister Zhang from the palace.”

She handed the Supervision Department token to the guard, who dared not question it. After glancing at the token, he withdrew and left.

Luo Wanqing put away the token and turned back to Zhang Yiran with a smile: “How has Minister Zhang been these past days?”

“Not well.”

Zhang Yiran seemed to be suppressing something, saying hurriedly: “Let’s go.”

Luo Wanqing sensed Zhang Yiran’s mood was off, but didn’t want to ask too much. She simply followed him out of the palace.

After leaving the palace, Luo Wanqing led Zhang Yiran to a carriage. Upon entering, a pine fragrance hit them. Zhang Yiran looked up in surprise to see Xie Heng sitting above, reviewing documents.

Zhang Yiran looked back at Luo Wanqing in confusion. Xie Heng looked down at the documents in his hands and said reassuringly, “Minister Zhang, please sit.”

Zhang Yiran sat down hesitantly. Luo Wanqing poured him a cup of tea and sat across from him. Once the carriage started moving and they had left the palace gates, Zhang Yiran asked with some puzzlement: “Why is Director Xie here?”

“To see Minister Zhang at home.”

Xie Heng’s tone was flat, as if it were a trivial matter.

Zhang Yiran frowned: “Director Xie holds a high position – what friendship do we have that would warrant this?”

“My friendship with Minister Zhang is indeed insufficient for me to personally escort you home,” Xie Heng said, pulling his documents aside. “But His Majesty wishes everyone to know that Minister Zhang is under my protection.”

Zhang Yiran was stunned, then understood.

He had offended the Zheng family. Now that he was out of prison, if the Zheng family were bold enough, they might find an opportunity to kill him.

Though this possibility was small – after all, given the current tensions, killing him outright would only cause trouble. It would be better to wait and find an opportunity to frame him later, then eliminate him with justification.

But small didn’t mean nonexistent. Li Zong was being considerate, fearing something might happen to him, so he specifically had Xie Heng personally escort him home.

What Xie Heng represented wasn’t the Supervision Department’s attitude, but Li Zong’s attitude.

Anyone who still wanted to move against Zhang Yiran would have to think twice.

Zhang Yiran felt moved and somewhat pained. After hesitating for a moment, he asked hoarsely: “Then His Majesty’s meaning… is this case considered closed?”

“Closed.”

Xie Heng said calmly, “A notice will soon be posted throughout the country explaining this case. Minister Zhang… will have to endure some grievances for now. After all, you handled the case incorrectly – if you’re not punished, it would be hard to convince the public.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran unconsciously gripped the fabric at his knees. He hesitated for a long time before asking with a trembling voice: “Master Ji… how is Master Ji?”

Xie Heng’s pen tip paused. He looked up at Luo Wanqing, who remained silent for a moment before saying softly: “Jiqing is gone.”

The moment this was confirmed, tears fell from Zhang Yiran’s eyes.

Luo Wanqing hesitated briefly, then comforted: “But Minister Zhang needn’t be too sad. Life is a cycle – perhaps one day, Minister Zhang and Master Ji will meet again.”

Zhang Yiran nodded without saying much, responding quietly: “Mm.”

Seeing his distress, Luo Wanqing was about to say something more comforting when she saw Zhang Yiran turn away, saying hoarsely: “I’m a bit tired. That’s all.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing knew Zhang Yiran didn’t want to discuss it further. The words stuck in her throat, and she could only say awkwardly: “Then… then you should rest.”

No one spoke for the rest of the journey, making the atmosphere particularly oppressive.

When they reached the Zhang residence, Xie Heng had the carriage stop at the alley entrance, and Luo Wanqing escorted Zhang Yiran through the back door.

As they walked into the alley, Luo Wanqing finally spoke: “Minister Zhang needn’t be discouraged. Though Jiqing couldn’t testify this time, we still have opportunities.”

“What opportunities?” Zhang Yiran controlled his emotions, saying hoarsely: “Master Ji is gone – what opportunities could we have?”

“Minister Zhang, you should know that what matters in this case isn’t the evidence, but His Majesty’s attitude.”

Luo Wanqing thought carefully, choosing her words: “If His Majesty gives us free rein to investigate, even without Jiqing, don’t we have Zhou Chun? Zhou Chun had so many dealings with Zheng Pingsheng – could he have left no traces? And those Yangzhou officials – surely it wasn’t only Jiqing and Jia Sanqian who were involved? As long as we get full investigative authority and go to Yangzhou to seal Zhou’s residence and interrogate everyone, we’ll find some leads.”

“But you’ve seen His Majesty’s attitude, Inspector Liu. He wouldn’t intervene even with Jiqing right before him,” Zhang Yiran said quietly. “How do you plan to change His Majesty’s attitude?”

“He wouldn’t intervene because it hadn’t reached the point of breaking with the Zheng family. But Jiqing died before His Majesty’s eyes. You’re a court official, yet the Zheng family wanted to kill you – doesn’t His Majesty have any concerns about this?”

Zhang Yiran listened without speaking. Luo Wanqing continued analyzing: “Actually, if Jiqing hadn’t died, His Majesty might have thought we were making a mountain out of a molehill. But now that Jiqing died before him, he’s seen the Zheng family’s arrogance. He must have some reservations. If we add fuel to the fire at this point, we might have a chance.”

“I don’t want to add that fuel.”

Zhang Yiran controlled himself, saying hoarsely: “Inspector Liu, I’m tired.”

“Then rest for a bit,” Luo Wanqing said, seeing Zhang Yiran seemed ready to give up. “But the arrow is on the string now. They’ve thrown all the mud at you. Even if not for the Luo family, you must clear up this case now, at least clear it up before the people of the realm.”

“How?”

“The Drum of Complaint. Tomorrow, you go beat the Drum of Complaint, explain this case clearly before everyone, and then I’ll arrange for people to impersonate the Zheng family and assassinate you, thus enraging His Majesty. This way, even if this case can’t be overturned, at least in the people’s hearts, you’ll be a good official who was wronged. The Pure Stream faction values reputation highly. With the people’s support and your good name, after lying low for a while, the Pure Stream faction will surely recommend you again, and His Majesty, feeling guilty toward you, will also promote you.”

Zhang Yiran remained silent. Luo Wanqing knew he was unwilling and tried to persuade him: “Minister Zhang, I know you’re disheartened with the court, but we must at least make Master Ji’s death worthwhile…”

“Worthwhile for what?”

Zhang Yiran finally couldn’t hold back. He turned to look at Luo Wanqing, clenching his fists and staring at her: “Using his life to help me rise in rank – is that what you call worthwhile?!”

Luo Wanqing paused. She sensed Zhang Yiran’s emotions were wrong. After considering for a moment, she asked hesitantly: “Brother Yiran, what’s wrong?”

Zhang Yiran looked at Luo Wanqing. After a long while, he said: “Did they kill Jiqing?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing immediately became alert. She glanced around, then looked back to see Xie Heng standing at the alley entrance, nodding at her. Knowing Xie Heng had people guarding the area, she relaxed and lowered her voice: “Why are you suddenly asking this?”

“I saw the Third Prince today.”

Zhang Yiran began. Luo Wanqing’s expression grew cold as she heard Zhang Yiran continue: “He said he had convinced Jiqing to accuse me in court, but then Jiqing suddenly was poisoned. He told me to come back and ask you what happened.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing knew Zhang Yiran had his answer.

Though Zhang Yiran was upright, he wasn’t stupid. He looked at Luo Wanqing and said softly, “Then I remembered that when I brought Master Ji to the palace that day, he kept telling me to live well in the future. He knew he was going to die. I didn’t want to believe it at first. I thought Inspector Liu was different from those people in court, that Inspector Liu couldn’t do such a thing. Why would you do such a thing?”

Luo Wanqing fell silent. She knew that continuing to hide it might create a rift between her and Zhang Yiran.

She stepped forward and said quietly: “He’s not dead.”

Zhang Yiran looked up at Luo Wanqing, who lowered her voice: “He was saved. To ensure his safety, I announced publicly that he died.”

“But you considered killing him, didn’t you?”

Zhang Yiran stared at Luo Wanqing. Luo Wanqing paused.

Zhang Yiran knew the answer. He looked at Luo Wanqing and couldn’t help laughing: “You know, even if we had let Jiqing speak and present evidence that day, it wouldn’t have been much use. It would have been better to let him die before His Majesty – that could truly enrage His Majesty and force him step by step to our side.”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak. Everything Zhang Yiran said was true.

She had considered killing him. If Jiqing hadn’t ultimately chosen to willingly protect Zhang Yiran, she would have prepared another poison – she would have killed him.

“You might not even want to overturn the Luo family’s case. You just want to use this case to help me step by step become a renowned minister.” Zhang Yiran’s eyes were red: “You helped me, and I’d have to be grateful to you. In the future court career, a powerful Zhang Yiran would be much more useful than an upright minister.”

“I didn’t…”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt somewhat stifled. She said softly, “I want to overturn the Luo family’s case…”

“You want to overturn the Luo family’s case? Why? For what reason?” Zhang Yiran laughed. He looked at Luo Wanqing and couldn’t help but mock: “Inspector Liu, who can use human lives to pave the way, why would you rack your brains to fight for a few ordinary people? For justice and righteousness? But did you give Jiqing justice and righteousness?! Didn’t you also use and take his life as you pleased?! Do you still have any sense of justice?!”

“Shouldn’t he have done this?!”

Luo Wanqing could barely control herself. She clenched her fists, her lips trembling: “He used false confessions to kill Luo Qushu. Using his life to do something for this case to seek forgiveness – isn’t that appropriate?”

“It’s not your place to decide!” Zhang Yiran shouted angrily. He glared at her furiously: “Who are you? Are you a member of the Luo family or the presiding judge? Why should he need your forgiveness? Why should his life and death be judged by you? Excuses!”

Zhang Yiran cursed: “This is just an excuse you’ve found for trampling on human lives to make things convenient for yourself, becoming like those people!”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak for a moment. Looking at Zhang Yiran, she felt as if a knife were cutting her heart.

She couldn’t help gripping the scabbard in her hand tighter, forcing herself to calm down: “I won’t argue with you. Think carefully about my words. If you don’t beat the Drum of Complaint and clear this matter up, you’ll forever bear the stigma of falsely accusing Zheng Pingsheng.”

“I won’t go.” Zhang Yiran turned away, looking toward the end of the long alley: “I’ll write my resignation tonight and leave the Eastern Capital tomorrow. I won’t use others’ lives as stepping stones in your power games anymore. I know you mean well, but Inspector Liu, I don’t accept this kind of kindness.”

Zhang Yiran then walked toward the main gate.

Luo Wanqing’s emotions surged as she raised her voice: “What about the Luo family? If you won’t think of yourself, will you let the Luo family suffer this injustice?! Didn’t you say you’d seek justice for Luo Wanqing…”

“I can’t do it.”

Zhang Yiran spoke with his back to her, dejected: “Inspector Liu, do you know what I was thinking when I heard of Jiqing’s death?”

Zhang Yiran turned to look at her, tears in his eyes: “I was thinking that though he was guilty, he was at most an accomplice, and he had reported Zheng Pingsheng. His crime didn’t warrant death – he died because of me! He didn’t die for justice, but because of your power struggles. He was just a chess piece.”

Zhang Yiran looked somewhat bewildered: “He was a chess piece – aren’t I one too? Does the truth matter? Does evidence matter? Who cares? His Majesty doesn’t care, they don’t care, and even you don’t care. You speak of seeking justice, but what you’re calculating is just finding reasonable excuses to gain more benefits!”

“I’m not seeking power and profit. I’m trying to protect Minister Zhang and give the Luo family case more opportunities to seek justice.”

“Is it worth it?” Zhang Yiran asked back. Luo Wanqing was stunned as she saw Zhang Yiran stare at her seriously: “Using living people’s lives to seek justice for the dead – even if successful, is it worth it? The Luo family is gone. Perhaps they’ve already entered the next life’s reincarnation… In this case,” Zhang Yiran looked confused, “who am I seeking justice for? Do the Luo family truly care? Do people in this world truly care? Besides me,” Zhang Yiran stared blankly at Luo Wanqing, “who else cares? Why should I sacrifice so much for such a case?”

This question silenced Luo Wanqing.

Why should he sacrifice so much for this case?

Why should she force an unrelated person to make sacrifices?

If he didn’t want to handle it, then they wouldn’t handle this case. If he chose to leave, what right did she have to force him to stay?

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak. She only felt as if it had started to rain lightly from the sky.

The spring rain was fine and dense, falling on people like needle pricks. Her eyelashes trembled slightly as she said with difficulty: “Has Minister Zhang… made his decision?”

“I have.” Zhang Yiran said calmly, “I’m not suited for the Eastern Capital. Tomorrow, I’ll take my mother and leave.”

“I understand.” Luo Wanqing nodded, bowing with difficulty: “Then I wish Minister Zhang smooth sailing.”

Zhang Yiran said nothing. Luo Wanqing bowed, then turned to leave.

After walking a few steps, she couldn’t help but stop and say softly, “Minister Zhang, the dead may not be able to speak, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. Everything Minister Zhang has done, the Luo family will remember gratefully.”

“I haven’t done much.” Zhang Yiran turned his head, saying softly: “You needn’t comfort me in their name-you’re not them, so you shouldn’t say such things.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt somewhat mocked. Her heart was bitter, but she couldn’t speak of it. She could only nod lightly and bid farewell before leaving.

She walked out of the small alley in the light rain to find Xie Heng standing at the alley entrance with an umbrella, waiting for her.

When she reached the end of the path, Xie Heng looked at her and said gently, “You’re back?”

Luo Wanqing felt like crying for a moment. Looking at Xie Heng, she had many things she wanted to say, but in the end, she only nodded and said softly: “Young Master.”

Xie Heng held the umbrella over her head, saying softly: “Let’s go.”

Luo Wanqing nodded restrainedly. She reached out to take the umbrella, but Xie Heng pressed her hand down and smiled: “I’m taller – I’ll hold the umbrella for you.”

Luo Wanqing looked up at him, her gaze moving slightly.

She sensed the caring implication in these words. Xie Heng didn’t elaborate further, only led her to the carriage, and they got in together.

Once Luo Wanqing entered the carriage, Xie Heng looked back to see Zhang Yiran still standing at his door. Xie Heng’s expression grew slightly cold as he nodded slightly toward him, then got into the carriage.

After both entered the carriage, Xie Heng brought clothes for Luo Wanqing, having her change out of her damp outer garment, then poured her ginger tea, urging: “Drink some – don’t catch a cold.”

“I’m not that delicate,” Luo Wanqing smiled, taking the ginger tea from Xie Heng’s hands and holding it in her palms, looking down: “I’m someone who wields a blade – I won’t fall so easily.”

Hearing her words, Xie Heng thought for a moment, then smiled: “Even blades have their sheaths. Why are you taking your anger with Zhang Yiran out on me?”

Luo Wanqing paused, then said hesitantly: “I’m not…”

“Fine, you’re not.” Xie Heng smiled helplessly, urging, “Drink it quickly.”

Luo Wanqing obediently drank the ginger soup in one go. Xie Heng handed her tea water, then said slowly: “Zhang Yiran is someone with a rebellious nature…”

“Young Master.”

Luo Wanqing knew what Xie Heng was going to say and interrupted: “I’m tired.”

Xie Heng paused, then nodded, reaching out to pull Luo Wanqing’s shoulder, letting her lean against his leg, saying gently, “Rest if you’re tired.”

Luo Wanqing said nothing more, only quietly leaning against Xie Heng. Xie Heng wrote documents with one hand while gently stroking Luo Wanqing’s hair with the other. Luo Wanqing closed her eyes, leaning against Xie Heng, smelling the incense on him, and gradually calmed down in this quietness.

She slept deeply. When she woke up, they had already reached the Supervision Department. Without saying much, she bid farewell to Xie Heng and went to the White Tiger Division to work.

Xie Heng watched her retreating figure. After arguing with Zhang Yiran, she showed no signs of distress.

She stayed quietly at the White Tiger Division until evening. When it was time for her and Zhuque to change shifts, she returned to the mountain and came to Xie Heng’s door, taking over from Zhuque.

Zhuque went to rest, and she stopped at the door without entering.

Previously, when she came to Xie Heng’s place, she would usually enter the room and simply sleep there.

But tonight she didn’t enter, only sat in the corridor outside the door.

Xie Heng was reviewing documents in the room and waited for a while. Seeing she had no intention of entering, he thought for a moment, took a cloak from the room, walked to Luo Wanqing’s side, and said gently: “Not going back to sleep yet?”

“Young Master, I’m on duty tonight.”

Luo Wanqing kept her eyes downcast, saying softly: “I can’t always be so lazy.”

Xie Heng thought about it and didn’t make things difficult for her. He just put the cloak on her and tied the strings, saying softly: “Spring nights are cold – don’t stay outside all the time.”

Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes without responding.

Xie Heng finished putting on her cloak and stood for a moment. Seeing she had no intention of moving, he didn’t insist further and returned to his room.

Once back in his room, he extinguished the lights and lay down on the bed.

Luo Wanqing sat alone in the corridor, quietly looking at the distant mountains.

She didn’t know what she was thinking, only felt that the distant mountains in the night looked like a massive beast lurking outside the Eastern Capital, ready to devour hearts at any moment.

It rained lightly at night, and the distant mountains were also obscured by the rain curtain. Luo Wanqing sat there in a daze. After a long time, she suddenly heard the door behind her creak open.

She turned around in surprise to see Xie Heng carrying a bottle of wine, walking to the steps beside her. With a sweep of his robes, he sat down next to her, casually raising the bottle and taking a drink.

“Young Master?”

Luo Wanqing watched him drink, somewhat puzzled: “Why did you come out?”

“Couldn’t sleep.” Xie Heng smiled, looking into the distance: “I kept thinking about something that seemed increasingly wrong.”

“What matter?” Luo Wanqing didn’t understand and asked curiously.

Xie Heng swirled the wine in the bottle, saying leisurely: “I was thinking all night that the Supervision Department has always been clear about grudges and favors in handling cases, and Inspector Liu is also extremely fair in handling cases for the Supervision Department. How is it that when it comes to me, you become unable to distinguish right from wrong? So the more I thought about it, the more wrong it seemed, and I came especially to seek justice.”

“Justice?” Luo Wanqing was even more confused: “Young Master, you’re seeking justice from me?”

“Exactly,” Xie Heng nodded, turning to look at her quite seriously: “The trouble was caused by Zhang Yiran – why am I being punished?”

Luo Wanqing listened, somewhat puzzled: “I… how did I punish you?”

“Usually, I have a divine maiden as a companion, warming my pillow and bed. Today I had to be alone, tossing and turning,” Xie Heng said, sighing as he looked at Luo Wanqing with great resentment: “How could this not count as punishment for me?”

This left Luo Wanqing stunned. After a while, she realized what he meant and couldn’t help finding it somewhat amusing. Knowing Xie Heng was displeased and picking on her, she knew he was right. After thinking, she said seriously: “I couldn’t sleep tonight anyway. Even if I went back, I’d only disturb you. I’ll be fine once I calm down a bit.”

“Why can’t you sleep?”

Xie Heng propped himself up with his hand behind him, drawing up one leg, looking at the light rain as he said leisurely: “Is it because you’re sad about what Zhang Yiran said, or because you’re confused about how to proceed?”

“Both, I suppose.”

Luo Wanqing spoke honestly, taking the wine bottle from Xie Heng and taking a light sip.

The burning liquor rolled down her throat. Luo Wanqing looked somewhat lost: “Actually, I understand him. He always thought I was the same kind of person as him – that we should both follow the rules and not casually decide others’ fates. Jiqing was wrong, but he should have been tried openly and fairly, not used by me as a chess piece in my game with Li Guiyu. His disappointment in me and his sadness are appropriate.”

Xie Heng said nothing, listening as Luo Wanqing continued softly: “Actually, from the beginning, he shouldn’t have been involved in this case. This is my family’s revenge. If I’m unwilling to sacrifice, how can I force him to? And he’s right, too – the Luo family is gone. Using living people’s lives to fight for dead people’s reputation – is it worth it?”

“Are you thinking of giving up?”

Xie Heng looked up at her. Luo Wanqing was silent for a moment, then shook her head lightly, only saying: “I can’t give up. Even if it’s for Minister Zhang, I must continue this case.”

She murmured, “He doesn’t care about his reputation, but I can’t let him suffer injustice because of the Luo family.”

“Then what do you plan to do?” Xie Heng continued asking. He pondered: “You can’t bear to have Jiqing testify, and now all the evidence stands alone. You need a witness.”

Xie Heng looked up at Luo Wanqing, hinting: “You’re just one witness short of connecting and corroborating all this evidence.”

Luo Wanqing heard Xie Heng’s hint. She stared at Xie Heng steadily, thinking for a long time before slowly saying: “How are your preparations, Young Master?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng raised an eyebrow. Luo Wanqing continued thoughtfully: “Young Master isn’t like Minister Zhang and me, plotting on a grand scale. When you act, you act decisively. So, Young Master… how are your preparations?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng thought for a moment, then smiled and said slowly: “Brother Zixiu has already arranged to buy grain and weapons from Persia. I’ve also made arrangements with Qin Jue and gathered the gold to transport there.”

“Who’s doing the transport?”

The gold for purchasing military supplies wasn’t a small amount, and the journey carried considerable risk.

Luo Wanqing was curious. Xie Heng explained: “Cui Junye is leading people, disguised as merchants in several groups, transporting it in batches.”

Divided into several groups, with each person carrying some, though Li Shengzhao’s health was declining, his skills were still excellent.

“As for the Eastern Capital,” Xie Heng smiled, looking at Luo Wanqing, “How Zheng Pingsheng dies depends on Xiniang’s results.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing was somewhat puzzled: “Young Master has everything prepared – why are you still waiting for me?”

Xie Heng lightly tapped his knuckles. Luo Wanqing looked down at the wine bottle in her hands: “What Minister Zhang and I are doing must seem like children’s games to you, Young Master.”

“Because… I also want to see different paths.”

Xie Heng said, smiling bitterly: “I think this court is beyond salvation, that His Majesty will never compromise, so I want to see if all this is truly so. If it is, then I have no regrets about my actions. So…”

Xie Heng looked up at her seriously: “Do whatever you want to do, Xiniang.”

Hearing his hint, Luo Wanqing’s heart trembled. She couldn’t help saying: “But if I act freely, I fear I’d be too willful and cause trouble for you.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng smiled.

“Do you know what I’ve always regretted?”

Luo Wanqing shook her head. Xie Heng looked at her, his tone somewhat bitter: “It was in Yangzhou, when I was afraid of trouble and didn’t take your case.”

Luo Wanqing was stunned. Xie Heng continued thoughtfully: “I’ve thought about it countless times since, especially when I see Zhang Yiran sparing no effort for the Luo family. I wonder why I couldn’t do the same.”

“Young Master is different from us…”

“How are we different? Xiniang,” Xie Heng straightened up, placing his hand on her hair, looking at her seriously: “The first time in my life I felt a burning desire for power was that year when I walked out of the palace, telling everyone one by one that I couldn’t do it. My qin was smashed, my spine was trampled on. I’ve carefully walked to this day, grasping power in my hands, precisely so I’d never have to say those four words, ‘I can’t do it’ again. Aren’t you the same?”

Luo Wanqing’s heart trembled. She felt these words were like giant stones falling into her heart’s sea, stirring up turbulent waves.

She controlled her emotions and impulses, slowly clenching her clothing, trying to remain calm: “Li Guiyu is waiting. Perhaps this is exactly the result he’s waiting for.”

“So what?”

Xie Heng smiled. He gently pressed his forehead against hers, saying warmly, “Luo Wanqing.”

He solemnly called her name: “I’m asking you to be willful. I’m asking you,” he lowered his eyes, his voice trembling slightly, “to make me feel that all my efforts have meaning.”

She didn’t respond. Xie Heng pressed his forehead against hers, feeling his heart slowly quiet.

He didn’t know her decision, but her silence made him feel that everything he’d said might be in vain.

His emotions calmed, and he couldn’t help feeling somewhat sad. He sighed and finally let go.

After a long while, Qingya came with an umbrella. Seeing both of them sitting in the corridor, he couldn’t help smiling: “Oh, having a heart-to-heart talk?”

Xie Heng ignored Qingya and stood up. Thinking of something, he reminded: “The court will issue an announcement today. If you want to do something, you’d better hurry. Otherwise, once the court makes its final judgment, it will be even harder for you to turn things around for Zhang Yiran.”

With that, Xie Heng turned and entered the room. After Qingya led people in to help Xie Heng wash and dress, Xie Heng emerged from the door. Thinking of something, he suddenly bent down and picked up a leaf from nearby.

Everyone waited for him as they watched him turn the leaf in his hands. Soon, he had folded it into a grasshopper.

He walked back to Luo Wanqing and placed the grasshopper in her hands.

Luo Wanqing looked up to see Xie Heng smiling at her.

“I’m waiting for you.”

This sentence seemed to span years.

“Miss Luo,” his voice was very quiet, only audible to the two of them, yet spoken with unusual seriousness, “I’m waiting for you.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Xie Heng: “Zhang Yiran made the mistake – why should I be punished? I object!”

Luo Wanqing: “Because you’re my husband.”

Xie Heng: “I’m your husband, not his husband!”

Luo Wanqing: “Should I punish someone else instead?”

Xie Heng: “No, still punish me. I enjoy priority punishment rights.”