◎Madam of the Supervision Department Director, Are You Willing?◎

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing exclaimed in shock: “Why did you put a map of his family’s ancestral tomb in the Xuantian Box?”

But as soon as she asked, she realized.

Li Zong had been pursuing the Xuantian Box because he was chasing the location of the gunpowder arsenal. He had always thought this was something Cui Qingping had sent back from the border.

So now, when he opened the box and saw the map, what would he think?

“But… but how could Master Cui put a gunpowder arsenal in someone’s ancestral tomb?” Luo Wanqing found it incredible. “Who would believe that?”

“Their family’s ancestral tomb is at White Egret Mountain.” Xie Heng looked around warily, confirming no one was present before whispering, “This mountain range has complex terrain and rich mineral deposits, making it extremely difficult to investigate. A hundred years ago, it originally belonged to the Zheng family, but due to some disputes between the two clans over ten years ago, the two families fought. The Cui family won a great victory, and finally, His Majesty mediated, using this mountain as the boundary, making the Zheng family compensate the Cui family with all the land beyond this mountain.”

Hearing such secrets, Luo Wanqing frowned: “You even took their ancestral tomb?”

Xie Heng nodded, his face showing coldness: “At that time, they… humiliated and killed women from our clan, spoke arrogantly, and after the dispute, hung the corpse at the city gate. The private grievance was deep. So my uncle deliberately took their ancestral tomb, then stationed heavy troops to guard it. From then on, for Qingming Festival worship, the Zheng family was only allowed to kowtow at the mountain gate. The Zheng family originally wanted to relocate the tomb, but before this matter was settled, the Cui family fell into decline, so they took back the entire White Egret Mountain. Of course, the most important reason I chose this location is that White Egret Mountain is rich in sulfur.”

Xie Heng reminded her. Luo Wanqing showed surprise, and after a moment, she finally confirmed: “This makes sense now.”

Sulfur was essential for making gunpowder, using local materials to manufacture on site.

White Egret Mountain had complex terrain and was perfect for concealment. With Cui Qingping’s ability to design formations, it wouldn’t be easy for the Zheng family to investigate.

Combined with how Cui Qingping had deliberately stationed heavy troops under the pretext of private grievance, not allowing the Zheng family to enter and worship at their ancestral tomb, when all these things came together, it would be difficult for Li Zong not to be suspicious.

But if Li Zong believed this matter and wanted to investigate, it wouldn’t be easy either.

The ancestral tombs of great families were patrolled by heavy troops year-round, strictly forbidding others from spying. For Li Zong to suddenly propose going to the Zheng family’s ancestral tomb would be too presumptuous.

In Li Zong’s eyes, the news about the Xuantian Box came from Zheng Biyue’s mouth through Xie Heng, proving that the Zheng family also had intentions regarding the gunpowder arsenal. Now, if the Zheng family realized the gunpowder arsenal might be in their jurisdiction and directly began searching the mountains for it, finding the arsenal first, this would be unacceptable to Li Zong.

So he didn’t even dare to strongly propose investigating the Zheng family’s ancestral tomb, but if it was just probing, given the Zheng family’s current arrogance, they would never allow Li Zong to freely enter and exit their ancestral burial grounds.

So now the most legitimate method that Li Zong could accept would probably be—

“Kill Zheng Pingsheng.”

Xie Heng saw Luo Wanqing slowly coming to understand and hinted: “Send him back to his homeland, and when entering the ancestral tomb, His Majesty can then reward palace craftsmen to personally erect a monument and build a tomb for him. When the time comes, wouldn’t building him a grand mausoleum require many craftsmen to enter?”

Openly building a mausoleum while secretly searching for the gunpowder arsenal – legitimate and magnanimous imperial grace. If the Zheng family had no rebellious intentions, they would even have to be grateful.

“Then…” Luo Wanqing listened and asked her biggest doubt, “Isn’t His Majesty building his garden anymore? And if Zheng Pingsheng dies, isn’t he afraid they’ll rebel?”

“Gardens are more important than human lives, but how could they compare to a gunpowder arsenal that could shake the imperial throne? As for whether the Zheng family will rebel,” Xie Heng pondered for a moment, looking up at Luo Wanqing with some worry, “that depends on how Zheng Pingsheng dies.”

After talking for so long, the topic finally returned to her. Luo Wanqing also understood why Xie Heng had insisted on coming personally – besides wanting to see her condition with his own eyes and wanting to see her, more importantly, he needed to come and explain the situation clearly to her.

She looked up at Xie Heng, listening carefully, and saw his expression become more serious as he spoke with particular clarity: “If the Zheng family thinks Zheng Pingsheng’s death was ordered by His Majesty, they naturally won’t accept it. But if Zheng Pingsheng died at someone else’s hands and His Majesty helped them get revenge, why would they rebel?”

This made Luo Wanqing completely understand why Li Zong had immediately decided to release her upon seeing the contents.

Seeing her enlightened expression, Xie Heng gripped her hand tightly and said seriously: “Now you and Zheng Pingsheng are known throughout the world as mortal enemies. If you killed Zheng Pingsheng, no one would suspect His Majesty. Then, to appease the Zheng family’s resentment, you would surely die, and no one could protect you. I know you were gambling today that he would let you kill Zheng Pingsheng, but Zheng Pingsheng absolutely cannot die by your hand.”

“But if I don’t kill him… with masters like Zheng Bikui protecting him, who could His Majesty send to kill him?”

Luo Wanqing looked up at him. Xie Heng’s eyes flickered, and he only said: “His Majesty has many masters around him. This is not for you to worry about.”

Seeing Xie Heng’s reaction, Luo Wanqing knew the answer.

She pretended not to think much about it and nodded: “I understand. But now I don’t have the chance to use the key to get out of the palace. If I refuse to kill Zheng Pingsheng again, then my only use to His Majesty would be entering Prince Guang’an’s mansion to decorate the imperial family’s reputation.”

Luo Wanqing looked up: “What does Young Master plan to do?”

“This depends on,” Xie Heng sat cross-legged, placing his hand on his knee and resting his chin on it as he looked at Luo Wanqing, “whether the Inspector wants to enter Prince Guang’an’s mansion.”

Luo Wanqing was stunned and couldn’t help saying: “How could I possibly want to…”

“When you wanted to enter Prince Guang’an’s mansion before, the Inspector came to Young Master, offering to share your bed.” Xie Heng smiled as he reminded her. Luo Wanqing instantly remembered the night she killed Li Shangwen.

She hadn’t felt anything about it before, but now, realizing Xie Heng and Cui Heng’s identity and remembering his reaction then, Luo Wanqing immediately felt somewhat embarrassed. She glanced at Xie Heng and said coolly: “Young Master still dares to bring up old matters?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng immediately realized he was in the wrong. He cleared his throat and quickly tried to brush it off: “Don’t worry, I would never let you get involved with Li Guiyu.”

Xie Heng said this while tapping his knee thoughtfully: “I’ve already made arrangements for the dungeon, so they won’t make things difficult for you. His Majesty just sent people from Sizhou to investigate White Egret Mountain. They’ll give him results in about three or four days. Then I’ll look for an opportunity to rescue you based on the situation. If that doesn’t work, I have an imperial pardon…”

“That’s not necessary.” Luo Wanqing shook her head and advised, “Young Master should keep such things. This matter hasn’t reached that point yet. Let’s wait a few days and see the situation after giving His Majesty news about White Egret Mountain. If it doesn’t work, Young Master can say you’ll help His Majesty kill Zheng Pingsheng but need my help, and fish me out that way.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng paused. Luo Wanqing looked at him and couldn’t help laughing: “You’re not thinking of doing that, are you?”

“We’ll see when the time comes.”

Xie Heng rubbed his fingertips, avoiding the topic: “Rest well these days and don’t do anything. Just remember one thing—”

Xie Heng looked up at her and spoke with particular seriousness: “If His Majesty asks you to kill Zheng Pingsheng, don’t agree.”

Luo Wanqing listened and nodded: “Alright.”

“Is there anything else you need to ask me?” Xie Heng inquired.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment and only said: “Please tell the Xuanwu Envoy that his story should be completed as soon as possible.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng frowned slightly: “What exactly are you having him write?”

“The Supervision Department’s reputation is too poor,” Luo Wanqing smiled, “I’m having him write some nice things.”

Xie Heng chuckled but didn’t say more, nodding: “Alright, I’ll tell him. Anything else?”

“Nothing more.” Luo Wanqing shook her head. “I’ll just wait for Young Master to come get me.”

“Good.”

Xie Heng responded. After they finished talking, they suddenly fell quiet. Separated by the prison bars, they didn’t know what to say for a moment.

At this moment, Luo Wanqing suddenly realized that she and Xie Heng always seemed to be like this – in Yangzhou prison, in the Supervision Department dungeon, in the heavenly prison, and now here.

They met in this way, separated by shackles.

The two looked at each other silently for a moment. Xie Heng suddenly smiled. He reached out his hand through the gap in the iron bars, gently stroking Luo Wanqing’s face, wiping away the dirt on her face. His movements were slow and very careful, as if seeking an excuse to extend the reasonable time to stay here indefinitely.

But there wasn’t much dirt on her face – a touch of his fingertip wiped it clean.

When Xie Heng finished cleaning her face, he couldn’t find any other excuse to stay longer, and finally could only say: “Then… I’ll go.”

“Alright.”

Luo Wanqing spoke gently. Xie Heng nodded and began coughing loudly and urgently.

Luo Wanqing watched him cough beside her. In this short time, he never let go of her hand.

This seemed to be a signal he had arranged with the jailer. After he coughed for a while, the jailer outside opened the door and came in, dragging him out while saying: “Why are you suddenly coughing so severely? Quick, take him to the medical office.”

Xie Heng was dragged away by them. As he left, he looked up at Luo Wanqing in the prison and silently mouthed: “Wait for me.”

Luo Wanqing smiled as she watched him leave. After he was gone, she put away her smile and looked down at the ground.

With Xie Heng’s visit, she now completely understood the situation.

Li Zong had seen the map marking the Zheng family’s ancestral tomb in the Xuantian Box. Now, as long as Xie Heng reported back that the Zheng family’s ancestral tomb was heavily guarded and difficult to enter, Li Zong would definitely want to kill Zheng Pingsheng.

His tolerance of Zheng Pingsheng had not been just for a day or two. Especially after her family’s case – whether it was poisoning Jiqing in the palace, publicly blocking people from filing complaints, attempting to assassinate Zhang Yiran, or even damaging the Dengwen Drum – all of these had touched the emperor’s bottom line. It was just that Li Zong always sought profit, fearing war more than maintaining balance, so he endured again and again. But this didn’t mean Li Zong didn’t want to kill him.

Now with such a reasonable excuse, Li Zong’s killing of Zheng Pingsheng was a foregone conclusion.

And she was the best candidate to kill Zheng Pingsheng.

Xie Heng’s position was too high – he was Li Zong’s sharpest sword. If Xie Heng killed Zheng Pingsheng and Li Zong executed Xie Heng to appease the Zheng family, it would be like cutting off his arm.

Moreover, Xie Heng had countless connections with Li Zong. How could he compare to her, an orphan girl who had come from beginning to end for revenge?

As long as she agreed to kill, Li Zong wouldn’t let Xie Heng do this. This was probably also why Xie Heng had insisted on coming to stop her.

But what Xie Heng hadn’t expected was that Li Zong was more aggressive than he imagined. He hadn’t even waited for Xie Heng to report news about the Zheng family before planning to release her. This also proved from the side that Li Zong was more inclined to believe the news in the Xuantian Box, or perhaps his murderous intent toward Zheng Pingsheng was heavier than anyone imagined.

So heavy that even Xie Heng hadn’t noticed that Li Zong might be more decisive and more ruthless than they all thought.

Luo Wanqing even began to suspect that, even without the Xuantian Box’s push, with her existence as an orphan girl who “should rightfully kill Zheng Pingsheng,” would Li Zong have “accidentally” released her anyway, letting her kill Zheng Pingsheng?

Was it Xie Heng who killed Zheng Pingsheng in her previous life?

Luo Wanqing momentarily felt doubtful, but then realized that dwelling on her previous life was meaningless. Regardless of whether Xie Heng had acted in her previous life, she was clear that Xie Heng now planned to act.

Kill Zheng Pingsheng, seize power from the Zheng family, send troops against the Northern Rong, and bring back Cui Zixiu.

Xie Heng should have prepared everything, like the game she had played as a child – arranging wooden blocks in sequence, just waiting to lift her hand and push, and in an instant, they would all topple.

Zheng Pingsheng was the first domino, and now Xie Heng planned to lift his hand and push.

But she was there—

Luo Wanqing closed her eyes and smiled softly. How could she let him push?

Having confirmed all the information, Luo Wanqing’s heart completely settled. She sat cross-legged and meditated.

Meanwhile, Li Zong received news from Yang Chun and tapped the chessboard: “She won’t leave?”

“Yes,” Yang Chun replied nervously, “She said that since she appealed to Your Majesty’s presence, she wanted Your Majesty to give her a result. Without Your Majesty’s permission, she won’t do anything illegal.”

“The Supervision Department taught her quite well.” Li Zong smiled, not suspicious at all.

After all, if she just wanted to kill Zheng Pingsheng, she could have kept planning assassinations. There was no need to go through such trouble to file complaints.

“Then Your Majesty… how do you plan to handle this?”

Seeing that Li Zong wasn’t angry, Yang Chun relaxed slightly. Li Zong said carelessly: “Then we’ll wait for news from White Egret Mountain, and I’ll go see her personally.”

This wait lasted four days.

There was no daylight in the dungeon. Luo Wanqing could only sense and count to calculate the days.

In a place without sunlight, even without any torture, a person’s spirit would slowly dissipate. When Luo Wanqing saw Li Zong again, she was leaning against the iron bars with her eyes closed, resting.

Sounds came from the distance. Luo Wanqing opened her eyes and saw a figure in yellow robes with dragon patterns leading Yang Chun in from the main entrance.

Days of darkness made even a little firelight extremely dazzling to her. She squinted, watching Li Zong approach. When he stopped in front of her, Luo Wanqing looked for a while before slowly reacting.

“What, don’t recognize me anymore?”

Li Zong spoke with a smile. Luo Wanqing widened her eyes, then quickly turned and bowed: “Greetings to Your Majesty.”

“How have these past days been?”

Li Zong looked around and said slowly: “Ah, this place has wronged you. I had no choice.”

Saying this, Li Zong half-crouched down, looking at Luo Wanqing kneeling on the ground, and whispered: “Let me be frank with you. You accused the Zheng family, and they refused to let you go. The palace is full of their ears and assassins. For your safety, I could only keep you in solitary confinement here.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s protection.” Luo Wanqing responded, seeming to understand something. She looked up at Li Zong and tentatively said, “Your Majesty, the Zheng family is so arrogant. Will Your Majesty still let them get away with this?”

“The nation has its laws. Of course, I don’t want to let them be so presumptuous,” Li Zong sighed, seemingly helpless, “but the Zheng family is powerful. I have no way to deal with them. Like your family’s case – I know the truth in my heart, but the court is full of his people. If I truly punish him, the Zheng family will accuse me of being unfair. I can’t stop the criticism from the world.”

Listening, Luo Wanqing showed some inquiry in her eyes: “If Your Majesty worries about the Zheng family, what can this commoner girl do for Your Majesty?”

“Not for me, but for you,” Li Zong said, seeing that she understood and smiled. “You need to seek justice for your family. They’re dead – should the instigator live? Guiyu is my child, you can’t touch him, but what about the others?”

The words were already naked. Luo Wanqing no longer concealed and said directly: “Your Majesty hopes I will kill Zheng Pingsheng?”

“You have excellent martial arts.” Li Zong raised his hand, and Yang Chun immediately handed over ‘Xiling’ that he was holding. Li Zong passed the blade into the prison, smiling: “If you don’t avenge your father, wouldn’t it be a waste?”

“Your Majesty,” hearing this, Luo Wanqing didn’t take the blade but only said, “Does Your Majesty know why I insisted on appealing to the court?”

“Seeking fairness?” Li Zong guessed, “I already know you were wronged. Now I permit you to kill – this is fairness.”

“But if I kill someone, can I survive?” Luo Wanqing asked. Li Zong paused.

Luo Wanqing said calmly: “If I must trade my life for justice, this isn’t called justice – this is revenge.”

Hearing this, Li Zong thought for a moment, his expression cooling slightly: “You didn’t say this a few days ago.”

“But a few days ago,” Luo Wanqing glanced at the blade Li Zong offered, “Your Majesty didn’t want to kill Zheng Pingsheng either.”

The two stopped talking, quietly confronting each other. Luo Wanqing didn’t yield an inch, while Li Zong’s expression was unfathomable.

After a long time, Li Zong seemed unable to hold the blade steady and placed Xiling on the ground, saying slowly: “You’ve gotten your leverage then. Don’t worry,” placing the blade on the ground, Li Zong looked up at her, “you help me with this matter, and I’ll guarantee you won’t die.”

“How can Your Majesty guarantee this?”

“Don’t you trust my word?” Li Zong frowned, his imposing aura and anger pressing down, but Luo Wanqing remained composed.

She met Li Zong’s gaze and said seriously, “Your Majesty said that even business deals have deposits. If Your Majesty says you can guarantee it, you must show me how you’ll guarantee it. After all, if I kill Zheng Pingsheng and Your Majesty kills me to appease the Zheng family, nothing could be simpler.”

Seeing she understood everything, Li Zong stopped trying to deceive her and only said: “What kind of guarantee do you want?”

“I want Your Majesty to adopt me as your daughter and enfeoff me as a Princess.” Luo Wanqing spoke directly. Li Zong was somewhat surprised, raising his eyebrows as he listened to Luo Wanqing say, “I want a sufficiently noble status to ensure I won’t be easily killed.”

Listening, Li Zong couldn’t help saying: “You certainly dare to speak up. But isn’t being Princess Consort of Guang’an… noble enough?”

“I won’t marry Li Guiyu.” Luo Wanqing said firmly, “He is my father’s killer. I could never marry him.”

Li Zong didn’t speak. He only pondered: “Actually, there is one status that would be quite suitable. I just don’t know if you’d be willing.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked up: “Your Majesty, please speak directly.”

“Madam of the Supervision Department Director,” Luo Wanqing showed shock, and Li Zong smiled as he spoke, “Is this position high enough?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t dare answer. She couldn’t be certain for a moment whether Li Zong had learned something and was testing her and Xie Heng.

Fortunately, Li Zong didn’t pay attention to her and only continued thoughtfully: “Guiyu is determined to have you. If you don’t marry, even if I enfeoff you as a Princess, he won’t let go. Originally, Zhang Yiran marrying you would be legitimate, but first, this status probably wouldn’t satisfy your requirements, and second, I’m afraid that if he marries you today, Guiyu will make you a widow tomorrow.”

“Your Majesty’s considerations are very thoughtful.”

Luo Wanqing’s heartbeat was racing. Li Zong continued: “But we could do this – you originally came from the Supervision Department. We’ll say you and Heng’er are mutually in love. With Heng’er stepping forward, Guiyu might have a chance of letting go. Heng’er is protective, and when the time comes, as his wife, the Zheng family won’t dare casually say they want to execute you. But since this is a marriage matter, I can’t force it. What do you think?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t speak. She observed Li Zong’s expression, which didn’t seem like testing or pretense.

After a moment, she slowly realized that whether it was Princess or County Princess, any status granted by Li Zong couldn’t erase his connection to her.

But marriage would be different. Although it was a status granted by Li Zong, forming a marriage bond couldn’t be counted as Li Zong having any relationship with her.

But Li Guiyu was currently fixated on her. If she didn’t marry Li Guiyu, looking throughout the court and country, only Xie Heng could suppress Li Guiyu and marry her.

She and Xie Heng had previous contact, so saying they were mutually in love was believable. And calling her the Director’s wife meant high status, but Xie Heng obeyed him – whether he ordered Xie Heng to marry her or hand her over, it would be easier than with others.

“If it’s Young Master… this commoner girl… naturally has no objections,” Luo Wanqing, understanding that Li Zong wasn’t testing, said carefully, “I just fear Young Master won’t be willing.”

“No matter. I’ll go speak to him. But I have one requirement,” Li Zong stared at her, his smile somewhat cold and non-negotiable, “you must act at the wedding banquet.”

In full view of everyone, proving she acted personally, to facilitate distancing himself later.

Luo Wanqing understood his meaning but said, “Why?”

“These days, I’ve had people watch him. He stays secluded and is hard to approach. Only at your and Heng’er’s wedding banquet will he probably appear, giving you a chance.”

Li Zong explained. Luo Wanqing immediately said, “With so many people there and Zheng Bikui by his side, I need an opportunity to get close to him.”

“What do you want to do?”

“Have Your Majesty arrange for me to publicly reconcile with him in front of everyone. I’ll offer him tea and apologize, while Supervisor Yang secretly assists me.”

“Easily done,” Li Zong immediately agreed, then continued: “Then the wedding date will be set for half a month from now.”

“I’ll act alone.” Luo Wanqing emphasized.

“It has nothing to do with others.” Li Zong confirmed.

The two looked at each other silently for a moment, confirming they had sorted out the details. Luo Wanqing finally said: “During this time, Your Majesty shouldn’t let Young Master detect our plan. You can tell him a false plan – tell him to have me assist him in assassinating Zheng Pingsheng, and let him use marriage as a pretext to bring me back to the Supervision Department.”

“Why tell him a false plan?” Li Zong was somewhat puzzled.

Luo Wanqing said firmly: “He has Zheng family ears and eyes around him. Last time at Purple Cloud Mountain when I was ambushed by the Zheng family, it should have been someone around him who leaked information.”

Upon hearing this, Li Zong understood: “You want to use this opportunity to clean out the people around him?”

“Your Majesty, killing Zheng Pingsheng is personal revenge, but as long as I can survive,” Luo Wanqing said seriously, “I will always be loyal to Your Majesty. Young Master is Your Majesty’s man, so naturally I must protect him.”

“You are loyal, and I won’t treat you unfairly.”

Li Zong smiled, then stood up: “Then it’s settled. Wait for news.”

Saying this, Li Zong stepped away to leave.

Luo Wanqing respectfully kowtowed, watching the master and servant leave. Only after they had gone far did she let out a heavy sigh of relief.

Throughout this confrontation and negotiation with Li Zong, she hadn’t been afraid. Only when Xie Heng was mentioned did she get scared.

Li Zong had no perception of her emotions and just led Yang Chun outside. After leaving the door, Yang Chun confirmed Luo Wanqing couldn’t hear and couldn’t help laughing: “Your Majesty, when you mentioned Director Xie, that girl was practically glowing with happiness.”

“Marrying Heng’er – which girl wouldn’t be happy?”

Li Zong glanced at the prison, not particularly concerned, only saying: “Pity she doesn’t have that fate.”

Yang Chun was stunned. Li Zong played with the jade beads in his hand, pondering: “How many moves would you need to kill her?”

Hearing this, Yang Chun said somewhat uncertainly: “If the opportunity is right, one full-strength palm strike would be enough to kill.”

“Then prepare yourself,” Li Zong waved his hand, “at the wedding banquet, as soon as she acts, immediately strike her down in the hall. This way,” Li Zong smiled, “I’ll have an explanation for the world.”

Whether it was the marriage arrangement, facilitating reconciliation between her and Zheng Pingsheng, or Yang Chun’s assistance.

If he killed her without hesitation in front of the world, that would be his explanation to the Zheng family.

If the Zheng family remained unsatisfied and acted perversely, that couldn’t be blamed on him.

Li Zong thought this and added: “Summon Heng’er to the palace. Have him kneel outside the imperial study for half an hour, then have your godson spread word that he came to request marriage to Luo Wanqing.”

Hearing this, Yang Chun felt somewhat uneasy: “Shouldn’t we discuss this with Director Xie first?”

Li Zong paid no attention and continued: “Also, have the Central Secretariat draft an imperial edict for the marriage and bring it for my seal.”

Hearing this, Yang Chun knew Li Zong planned to force the matter and said no more, only bowing and withdrawing.

When Xie Heng went to the palace, he received news that the Central Secretariat was drafting an edict.

Qingya looked at the letter delivered from the palace, clicked his tongue twice, and sighed: “Young Master, this trip seems quite ominous.”

“Speak directly.” Xie Heng was reviewing documents and didn’t want to beat around the bush with him.

Qingya didn’t hand him the letter and looked up at him with a rather grave tone: “Young Master, His Majesty plans to arrange a marriage for you.”

Xie Heng paused, then said: “Turn around, return to the Supervision Department.”

Hearing this, the driver immediately turned the carriage around. Qingya sighed: “Young Master is too hasty. Why not ask which family’s young lady it is?”

This tone made Xie Heng immediately sense something unusual. He looked up and saw Qingya’s eyes containing suppressed laughter as he handed over the letter: “It’s Miss Luo Wanqing of the Luo family.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng’s expression remained calm. He put away his documents, confirmed once more, then picked up his brush again as if nothing had happened, suppressing his emotions and saying coolly: “Turn around, go to the palace.”

“Ah?”

After two direction changes, the driver was somewhat confused. Just during this brief pause, a cold, urgent voice came from inside the carriage: “Faster.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Li Zong: “Watch me play matchmaker randomly! Eastern Capital Cupid!”

Xie Heng: “Your Majesty is wise!”

Luo Wanqing: “You old fox, your guess was quite accurate.”

Li Guiyu: “Li Zong, you dog father, I’ll kill you!!”

[Mini Theater 2]

Qingya: “Young Master, His Majesty has arranged a marriage.”

Xie Heng: “Turn around and run quickly.”

Qingya: “The marriage is to Miss Luo.”

Xie Heng: “!!! Quick, turn around and go to the palace! Run faster, I can’t wait a moment longer!”

Li Guiyu: “You can forget it! If you want to enter the palace today, you’ll have to step over my dead body!”

Xie Heng: “Driver, step aside, let me speed up and ram him to death!”

[Mini Theater 3]

Passerby: “Why is the Supervision Department’s carriage spinning in circles on the street today?”

Qingya: “Because of the magic power of love, going in circles.”