◎The mountain gate stands open at night. Return home soon◎

A light rain fell the night before the wedding. With spring’s arrival, there had been much rainfall. Servants accompanied tailors carrying the wedding dress to Luo Wanqing’s room for final alterations.

Luo Wanqing’s wedding dress had been measured seven days prior. They said there was a ready-made set that just needed some modifications. Today they came for the final adjustments.

Today she was resting in the mansion Xie Heng had purchased separately, waiting for him to come fetch her tomorrow.

Xie Heng hadn’t come to see her all day, saying that according to Eastern Capital customs, meeting before the wedding would bring bad luck.

Luo Wanqing could see how seriously he took the wedding. However, the more serious he was, the more uneasy she became.

When she saw the wedding dress, this unease reached its peak.

This wedding dress was not hastily made. The fabric was cloud brocade specially tributed from Shu region, with every stitch extremely exquisite. Each pearl on it was carefully selected, similar in size with lustrous color.

The wedding dress was embroidered with dragons chasing phoenixes and twin lotus blossoms. At first glance, it didn’t seem particularly outstanding, but in the details, both materials and craftsmanship were top-notch. When worn, it didn’t display wealth ostentatiously, but made the wearer exceptionally elegant, giving Luo Wanqing a dignified and noble bearing.

The tailor beside her watched Luo Wanqing dress and couldn’t help but smile: “When the steward first brought this wedding dress to the embroidery workshop, I was worried that if major alterations were needed, such a precious wedding dress would be difficult to modify. Who would have thought this dress would fit Miss’s measurements almost perfectly, requiring only minor, simple adjustments? If one didn’t know better, they’d think this dress was custom-made for you.”

Listening to this, Luo Wanqing understood in her heart that this dress might truly have been custom-made for her.

She didn’t know how long he had been making this wedding dress, nor how long he had been anticipating this.

She smiled without speaking. After trying on the wedding dress, a voice announced from outside. A maid entered and said, “Director Liu, Master Zhang is at the door, saying he wants to verify tomorrow’s wedding details with you.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing had Zhang Yiran called inside. Zhang Yiran stepped in and raised his hand in greeting: “Director Liu…”

Before he finished speaking, he straightened up, his voice catching in his throat.

He stared dazedly at Luo Wanqing in her wedding dress, somewhat unable to recover. Luo Wanqing blinked, puzzled: “Master Zhang?”

“Oh,” Zhang Yiran finally reacted, then smiled somewhat awkwardly: “It’s the first time I’ve seen you dressed this way. I was somewhat surprised.”

“This attire can’t be worn too many times,” Luo Wanqing joked. “No wonder Master Zhang is seeing it for the first time.”

Seeing her in a joking mood, Zhang Yiran couldn’t help but relax as well.

He took a paper from his sleeve and handed it to Luo Wanqing: “These are tomorrow’s wedding details. See if there’s anything that needs adding.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked down at the procedures on the paper.

Tomorrow: rise, dress in ceremonial clothes, meet relatives and friends, eat sweet soup, then formally prepare makeup. At dusk, the Supervision Department would come to fetch the bride, with three checkpoints set up…

Looking at the complex procedures, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but look up at Zhang Yiran.

She had no natal family in Eastern Capital. Xie Heng had asked Zhang Yiran and Aunt Zhao to help. Tomorrow, the bride’s side would be managed by them.

She had originally thought that since they weren’t her family, she shouldn’t trouble them too much. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yiran seemed to treat her like his own sister, saying: “Your family isn’t here, so Mother and I will be your relatives. At noon, we’ll first hold a banquet. I’ve invited people from the White Tiger Division and some of my friends—the scene won’t be too shabby. You’ll meet everyone then and bid farewell to the elders. I thought I’d have Mother act as this elder. You don’t need to kneel to her—just offer her tea and let her give you a gift. Having an elder’s gift brings good fortune.”

Listening to his words, Luo Wanqing was somewhat unable to process this, asking blankly: “Master Zhang… why so formal?”

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran smiled gently. He looked at Luo Wanqing with guilt in his eyes: “Xi… Miss Luo,” he seemed unable to switch over immediately, almost calling her ‘Xiniang.’ He gazed at her as if seeing someone else: “My mother imagined this scene countless times before, but she was thinking of doing it for Elder Sister. Now that Elder Sister is gone… being able to send off Miss Luo is also a kind of comfort.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t understand, only saying: “I can’t comfort Aunt Zhao.”

“You can. She’s very happy helping you, just somewhat regretful.”

“Regretful about what?” Luo Wanqing asked instinctively. Zhang Yiran suddenly looked embarrassed.

He coughed lightly and turned his head: “Nothing, just the usual nagging.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing immediately understood and smiled teasingly: “Pressing you about marriage again?”

Zhang Yiran nodded sheepishly, not wanting to say more: “Look at these—is there anything else to add? I checked the guest list with Qingya and saw many people you invited that I don’t recognize. I was thinking whether to send last-minute invitations…”

“No need.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing immediately knew which “unrecognized” people he meant. She had sent invitations to those people not to invite them, but to give Li Guiyu’s people access.

She said softly, “I’m not familiar with them either. I just don’t know many people and wanted it to be livelier. They can attend tonight’s formal wedding banquet—we don’t need them for our side.”

“Alright.”

Zhang Yiran agreed, then didn’t know what else to say, but he didn’t leave either.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, then realized this was their first meeting since the complaint incident. After she came out of the dungeon and confirmed the safety of him, Jiqing, and those common people who had filed complaints, she had stayed in the Supervision Department to avoid complications.

She glanced aside and raised her hand: “You may all withdraw.”

Hearing this, the nearby maids all retreated, leaving only Zhang Yiran and her in the room. Zhang Yiran couldn’t help but feel nervous, yet remained.

Luo Wanqing looked at him curiously: “Do you have something to tell me?”

“I… I just wanted to talk to you about what happened at Shuntian Prefecture that day.”

Hearing Zhang Yiran say this, Luo Wanqing was startled: “What about that day… what’s wrong?”

“That day, I spoke wildly,” Zhang Yiran lowered his head, somewhat ashamed: “I didn’t know your identity then, so I said many hurtful things…”

“Isn’t it all in the past?” Luo Wanqing chuckled lightly. “I didn’t take it to heart. I know your character—no need to say more.”

Zhang Yiran didn’t speak. After a long while, he finally said: “I can’t get past it.”

Luo Wanqing watched him lift his eyes, quietly gazing at her. He said earnestly, “I know you must have been hurt then. I can’t pretend that what I did never happened just because you’re generous. I should have protected you.”

“No…”

“Our old agreement—I should protect you. You saved Elder Sister—I can never repay that debt. From when we met until now, you’ve been protecting me all along, but actually, I should be the one protecting you.”

After Zhang Yiran began speaking, words seemed to become particularly simple. He smiled, staring at Luo Wanqing, both carefully and solemnly asking: “Are you marrying willingly?”

Luo Wanqing’s eyes trembled slightly. Zhang Yiran gazed into her eyes earnestly: “Are you marrying Director Xie for survival, or because of your own heart’s desire?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing didn’t dare answer immediately, only smiling: “Why ask this suddenly?”

“If it’s for survival,” Zhang Yiran’s eyes showed solemnity, “whatever help you need, Yiran will do everything in his power. If it’s your heart’s desire…”

Zhang Yiran paused, then only said: “Tomorrow’s wedding ceremony, I will manage wholeheartedly.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt warmth flowing through her heart.

At this moment, she suddenly had a real feeling, finally sensing that in Eastern Capital’s nights, she wasn’t walking alone with only Xie Heng.

Though her family wasn’t here, she seemed to have gained family.

Her emotions seemed to transmit silently. After a long while, she smiled and, for the first time, admitted to others: “It’s my heart’s desire.”

Zhang Yiran looked at her, hearing her say softly, “Though it’s inconvenient to speak of, being able to marry him is something that makes me very happy.”

“That’s good.”

Zhang Yiran nodded, seeming both relieved and as if completely putting away some feeling. He bowed: “Then I won’t disturb you. Rest well—I’ll go prepare for tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

Luo Wanqing thanked him sincerely. Zhang Yiran smiled and turned around.

He stepped toward the door, then suddenly remembered something and looked back at Luo Wanqing: “Miss Luo, though we have no matrimonial fate, we do have destiny. With Elder Sister gone, you are my only sister now.”

Luo Wanqing looked at him without saying much.

She saw Zhang Yiran slowly smile, his eyes full of blessings as he said softly: “I wish you—may your path be a path of blue clouds, may your companion be your heart’s beloved. Knowing you’re proceeding smoothly puts my mind at ease.”

Saying this, Zhang Yiran nodded gently, then turned and left through the night rain.

Luo Wanqing watched the figure in the corridor and called out: “Thank you, little brother!”

Hearing this, Zhang Yiran stumbled and turned back, solemnly correcting: “I’m two months older than you.”

Luo Wanqing smiled brightly. Zhang Yiran looked rather embarrassed before finally leaving.

After Zhang Yiran left, Luo Wanqing removed her wedding dress and went to bed early. Lying on the bed looking at the red canopy, she suddenly didn’t want to think about those conspiracies and schemes.

With all these elaborate procedures, with Zhang Yiran’s family-like blessings, she suddenly realized that regardless of whether this was a trap, regardless of what would happen tomorrow, this was her and Xie Heng’s wedding.

She inexplicably remembered that rainy night at Tingfeng Tower when Xie Heng had lost composure and said those words.

“How long do you think Cui Heng can accompany you? How much time do you think I have? Luo Wanqing, in this lifetime, you and I might only have this one wedding.”

Those words hadn’t come true.

They had finally carved out a bloody path through fate, step by step, and reached today.

This was her and Xie Heng’s wedding.

Not knowing why, thinking of this point, she suddenly felt an urgent impulse. She seemed to vaguely sense the source of Xie Heng’s careful solemnity these days—

She wanted to make this wedding as perfect as possible.

She wanted that when remembering it in the future, at least there would be no regrets, knowing she had tried her best to make today as complete as possible.

Thinking these thoughts, she closed her eyes.

In her dreams, she vaguely felt someone outside the door. She instinctively became alert, then caught the familiar pine scent drifting from outside. This fragrance made her relax her guard, feeling it was a wonderful dream, accompanied by spring rain sounds, moistening her bridal chamber.

In her dream, she dreamed of Xie Heng’s silhouette reflected on the window. He quietly watched over her until dawn, then left.

The next day, when Luo Wanqing woke up, Aunt Zhao bustled in with people and began preparing her grooming according to Zhang Yiran’s instructions.

She first bathed, with Aunt Zhao specially having maids scrub and apply fragrant oils. Luo Wanqing was surrounded by a group of women being primped. After dressing in ceremonial clothes, applying makeup, and arranging her hair, the entire morning had passed. At noon, Luo Wanqing stepped into the courtyard to meet the bride’s side guests. As soon as the White Tiger Division people saw Luo Wanqing, they immediately erupted in cheers.

Fang Yuan excitedly stepped forward, loudly declaring: “A fairy! Our Director is a fairy!”

At these words, everyone burst into laughter.

After Luo Wanqing met the guests and shared sweet soup with everyone, experiencing a series of elaborate ceremonies, she went to change clothes again.

The afternoon wedding dress was even more complex. Luo Wanqing fussed before the mirror until nearly dusk. Just as she sat down, she heard commotion outside.

After half an hour of noise, Qinglu entered with a smile, carrying a tray: “This is the groom’s urging makeup poem. Take a look—if it’s acceptable, we’ll get up to see Aunt Zhao and prepare to leave.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing moved her fan down slightly, glanced at it, then nodded.

Qinglu made a disgusted “tsk” sound and complained: “You probably didn’t even see what was written, did you?”

Luo Wanqing knew she was teasing her and glared: “I looked, looked several times.”

Qinglu smiled and agreed, having someone send the message out. She rose with Luo Wanqing, bringing maids along as they headed to the flower hall where Aunt Zhao was, laughing: “Everyone racked their brains over this urging makeup poem—don’t betray your friends.”

“How so?”

Luo Wanqing was curious. Qinglu gestured toward the main gate with her chin: “Your White Tiger Division people originally planned to block the door and make a big fuss, but when Xie Heng arrived on horseback, they were too scared to say a word. Zhang Yiran was the first to step up and block the gate, demanding to write makeup poems. Xie Heng wrote one after another, but Zhang Yiran kept finding fault, saying they weren’t good enough. Finally, when Xie Heng tried to force his way in, Zhang Yiran led the White Tiger Division people to desperately block the entrance.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh: “Could they block Young Master’s people?”

“Definitely not, but Xie Heng’s people held back. They fought for ages, all the way to the outer courtyard.”

Just as she finished speaking, Luo Wanqing heard Zhuque leading a chorus from beyond the moon gate: “New bride, board the sedan! New bride, board the sedan!”

Luo Wanqing glanced sideways and saw Xie Heng standing at the entrance, tilting his head and smiling at her.

Luo Wanqing’s eyes filled with laughter. Not daring to look too long, she turned and followed Qinglu to the flower hall, treating Aunt Zhao as an elder and offering her tea.

Aunt Zhao looked at Luo Wanqing with eyes full of regret. After Luo Wanqing offered tea, Aunt Zhao gave her a box as a gift, grasping her hands and saying regretfully, “It’s truly fate’s mischief, otherwise you…”

Speaking thus, she seemed to feel it inappropriate for the occasion, then smiled: “But it doesn’t matter. From now on, treat the Zhang family as your natal home. If you’re bullied, I’ll have Yiran stand up for you!”

Aunt Zhao always believed her son at the Censorate could manage even the Heavenly Emperor.

Luo Wanqing accepted this kindness, saying earnestly, “If you and big brother ever need help, please do speak up.”

“Good.”

Aunt Zhao nodded, raising her hand to adjust Luo Wanqing’s clothing. Thinking of something, her eyes reddened: “It’s a pity Jiuran went so far away; otherwise, I’d have her return to see you off.”

Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes, saying gently: “Mm, if Sister Jiuran were here, I’d have her as my sister.”

The two spoke briefly. With constant urging from outside, Aunt Zhao patted Luo Wanqing’s hand and finally saw her off.

Luo Wanqing was helped out by maids. Xie Heng walked beside her, escorting her to the sedan chair.

In public, he shouldn’t appear too happy, yet the laughter in his eyes couldn’t be suppressed no matter what.

After Luo Wanqing boarded the sedan chair, Xie Heng mounted his horse and led the wedding procession back.

The procession played music while Xie Heng scattered silver coins to the Supervision Department. Many commoners crowded forward to scramble and watch. Seeing Xie Heng’s wedding procession, they couldn’t help but gossip.

After all, Luo Wanqing’s drumming at the Court of Appeals half a month ago was still circulating in Eastern Capital. Now she had transformed from a prisoner facing execution to a high official’s wife, and the groom had changed from the Third Prince who returned from among the people to the Director of the Supervision Department.

“This is good fortune.”

A woman watching Luo Wanqing kneeling in the sedan chair with her fan couldn’t help but envy: “Whether meeting a down-and-out prince or encountering a young talent like Director Xie, she just can’t marry an ordinary person.”

“What good fortune?”

Someone in the know couldn’t help but say: “Her whole family was killed by the Third Prince. Director Xie marrying her now is probably just to save her.”

No one dared say such things loudly; they only whispered among themselves.

Luo Wanqing quietly took in these words. When they reached the Supervision Department gates, firecrackers exploded. Xie Heng led her down from the sedan chair. They each held red silk, walking step by step into the Supervision Department.

Luo Wanqing held a fan in one hand and silk in the other, passing through the main hall and entering the inner courtyard where the ceremony was held.

All the guests sat on both sides. As she stepped on the red carpet into the courtyard, she felt an intense gaze fixed on her.

She glanced around and discovered it was Li Guiyu sitting in the upper seats. He stared fixedly at her wedding dress. Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but feel nervous, gripping her jade fan tighter and looking away.

Xie Heng’s wedding outfit was not hastily prepared. Li Guiyu couldn’t fail to notice this, but what would he discover upon noticing?

She didn’t dare think too much, just followed Xie Heng into the hall.

At the front of the great hall sat Li Zong and Wang Lianyang. Xie Xiuqi rarely appeared but sat in the first seat on the left, with Song Xichao, Xie Guangcheng, and others beside him.

Across from him sat Wang Shenfeng, and though Zheng Pingsheng held no official position, he still sat beside Wang Shenfeng.

Then, according to official rank and status, they sat in order outward. In such occasions, Li Guiyu couldn’t rank high, only able to sit in the position closest to the door in the great hall—reportedly, this was a last-minute adjustment Xie Heng made for him the previous night.

Luo Wanqing didn’t know why Xie Heng made this arrangement. She hoped Li Guiyu could stay as far from them as possible today.

Xie Heng led Luo Wanqing to bow to Li Zong. Seeing the two, Li Zong smiled quite happily, looked around, then sighed: “It’s been a long time since things were this lively. I’ve always worried about Heng’er’s marriage. Now that he has his own beloved, I’m at ease.”

Saying this, Li Zong looked at Xie Xiuqi nearby. Wanting to say something but feeling awkward, he patted his leg: “When the younger generation marries, elders always want to say more. Heng’er’s marriage hasn’t been easy—everyone should know. I truly hope Heng’er can have a fulfilling marriage, so I hope the past stays in the past and everyone can get along harmoniously in the future. Old Zheng.”

Li Zong looked up at Zheng Pingsheng, smiling: “I know you and Miss Luo had some unpleasant matters in the past. How about, for my sake, since today is a joyous occasion, let Miss Luo offer you a cup of tea, both as an apology and as a greeting to an elder. From now on, don’t argue with a junior, how about it?”

“Naturally…”

Before Zheng Pingsheng could finish, Xie Heng’s voice suddenly interrupted: “Your Majesty, let’s proceed with the wedding ceremony first.”

Hearing this, both Luo Wanqing and Li Zong turned to look. They saw Xie Heng calmly say: “The auspicious time waits for no one. The apology matter—why not wait until after the bowing ceremony and fan removal, then I’ll bring the new bride to greet all the elders.”

“The auspicious time is set by people. With Director Xie’s fortune, any time is auspicious for marriage.”

Li Guiyu’s voice suddenly rang out. Everyone looked over to see him speaking coldly: “Why trouble Miss Luo with such back and forth?”

“Guiyu also speaks reasonably.”

Li Zong nodded, turning to look at Luo Wanqing: “Miss Luo, what do you think?”

What did she think?

Naturally, acting now would be best—delays breed complications.

But thinking of Xie Heng standing beside her, Luo Wanqing couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Everyone waited for her answer. After long hesitation, Luo Wanqing finally said: “Please grant Your Majesty’s permission.”

As soon as she said this, the expression in Xie Heng’s eyes softened. Then came the sound of a wine cup overturning. Li Guiyu seemed to be restraining himself with great effort, rising: “Your Majesty, this son feels unwell today and has now lost decorum. May this son be permitted to withdraw?”

Hearing this, Li Zong looked up, displeased, but seeing Li Guiyu’s pale, controlled expression and thinking of this marriage matter, he couldn’t help but feel pity.

After all, this was his son. Li Zong’s heart softened as he waved his hand: “Go rest. Don’t be so willful in the future.”

Li Guiyu bowed and left with his people.

Everyone exchanged glances. All present understood the causes and effects of this wedding. Li Guiyu leaving like this—everyone assumed he couldn’t bear to personally witness Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng’s ceremony.

After letting Li Guiyu leave, Li Zong looked at Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng. His expression cooled somewhat, but he still smiled, taking tea from beside him: “I didn’t consider thoroughly earlier. Let’s discuss these matters after the fan removal. Master of Ceremonies,” Li Zong called, “continue.”

Hearing this, the Master of Ceremonies immediately stepped forward, chanting blessing words according to procedure.

Luo Wanqing listened to the blessing words, guided by the Master of Ceremonies, bowing toward the high seats together with Xie Heng.

Strangely, at this moment, she thought of nothing, feeling that in this hall filled with distinguished guests, only she and Xie Heng existed.

First bow to heaven and earth, second bow to parents, husband and wife bow to each other.

After finishing, Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng returned together to the room with the hundred-sons canopy.

Xie Heng properly followed wedding protocol, writing her a fan-removal poem, helping her remove the fan, then leading her to sit together.

First they shared food from one animal, then attendants brought a gourd, split it open, connected the two halves with string, filled them with clear wine, and they drank together.

Finally, each cut a lock of hair, tied them together with red string, and placed them in a box.

After everything was done, Xie Heng looked up at her, saying earnestly, “Madam, now the ceremony is complete.”

Luo Wanqing nodded without saying much. Xie Heng smiled and stood up: “Then I’ll wait outside for you. After you change clothes, I’ll take you to meet the guests.”

Luo Wanqing agreed. Xie Heng thought for a moment, then suddenly said: “Qingqing, I’m very happy that today’s ceremony could be completed.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t understand, looking up puzzled, but saw Xie Heng already walking outside: “Wear something lighter and more convenient. It’s just meeting guests—no need to be too formal.”

Saying this, the attendants closed the door and brought her clothing.

Originally, there had been no preparation for meeting guests after fan removal, but fortunately, Xie Heng had prepared many post-wedding outfits for her, so they found something suitable.

As she changed clothes, she suddenly heard strange sounds outside. Luo Wanqing raised her hand to dismiss everyone, adjusting her Qianji bracelet in the mirror when she heard a gentle voice through the window: “Miss’s wedding dress today is particularly grand and beautiful. I wonder whose dress Director Xie transferred to Miss?”

Luo Wanqing ignored his sarcasm, only saying: “Get to the point.”

“My people are already placed among the guests in the great hall. After you succeed, they’ll block the pursuers. I’ll wait for you at the boat.”

Li Guiyu whispered instructions. Luo Wanqing responded, but her mind was considering—the great hall was full of high officials and nobles, while ordinary guests were in the outer courtyard. Who were his people?

Hearing Luo Wanqing’s absent-minded response, Li Guiyu didn’t leave. He stood quietly by the window. Seeing he wouldn’t go, Luo Wanqing asked curiously: “Why aren’t you leaving yet?”

“Just suddenly remembered old times.”

Luo Wanqing paused. Li Guiyu said softly: “That year, when Miss was confined by Uncle and wanted to escape to play, I arranged to meet Miss at the dock, but Miss took the wrong path. Miss,” Li Guiyu’s tone carried warning, “don’t take the wrong path this time.”

“Get lost.” Luo Wanqing casually grabbed a hairpin and threw it out.

Li Guiyu chuckled lightly and finally left.

After he left, Luo Wanqing opened the window, retrieved the hairpin from the windowsill, and placed it in the box.

With everything ready, she followed everyone outside. The banquet had begun, with the flower hall gathering high officials familiar with Li Zong.

Luo Wanqing entered the room and first paid respects to Li Zong. Li Zong waved his hand: “No need to kneel before me today. Since you’ve married Heng’er, you’re now family with Heng’er. Follow his lead in addressing elders. Everyone here has some kinship ties. Heng’er, take her to offer tea and apologize to your Uncle Zheng.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng ordered: “Bring tea.”

A maid brought tea forward. Luo Wanqing followed Xie Heng to stand before Zheng Pingsheng. Someone placed a cushion for Luo Wanqing. She lowered her eyes, suppressing the urge to act immediately, and knelt before Zheng Pingsheng.

Seeing this, Zheng Pingsheng’s eyes showed amusement as he slowly taunted: “Miss Luo, you and I had some misunderstandings in the past. Miss Luo was stubborn, which led to today’s situation. Fortunately, Miss Luo has lost her way and found her way back, knowing what she has and what she can do. Clinging to Director Xie in the future and living a good life—your father, knowing this from the underworld,” Zheng Pingsheng smiled, “would surely be comforted.”

“Drink the tea.”

Xie Heng interrupted Zheng Pingsheng, reaching to take the tea.

Seeing this, Luo Wanqing quickly grabbed Xie Heng’s sleeve, deliberately slowing her speech: “Young Master, let me do it.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng turned to look at her but didn’t move.

Everyone stared at Luo Wanqing, instinctively sensing something was wrong.

Song Xichao tapped his palm with a folding fan, smiling as he reminded: “Madam Xie, you should change how you address him.”

This broke the deadlock, and everyone laughed. Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s face showed slight embarrassment as she said softly, “Husband, since I’m apologizing, I should show sincerity. Let me offer tea to Master Zheng.”

Saying this, Luo Wanqing straightened up and took the tea bowl from the tray.

The moment she took the tea bowl, she dipped her fingertips half an inch in, then immediately withdrew them.

This movement was quick, but Zheng Bikui, who had been watching her closely from the side, saw it.

He coughed lightly. Zheng Pingsheng glanced at him and knew the result.

They had already agreed—one cough meant poison, no cough meant no poison.

Knowing Luo Wanqing had poisoned it, Zheng Bikui, Wang Qingfeng and others relaxed considerably. Luo Wanqing held up the tea bowl, presenting it high while lowering her eyes: “Please drink tea, Master Zheng.”

“Good, since you’re sincerely apologizing, I’ll take a sip.”

Zheng Pingsheng smiled mockingly, taking the tea from Luo Wanqing’s hands. Luo Wanqing looked up at Zheng Pingsheng while Zheng Bikui and Wang Qingfeng beside him smiled as they watched her.

Zheng Pingsheng covered himself with his sleeve, pretending to drink the tea while placing a blood packet in his mouth.

Then he set the tea bowl aside. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly changed. He raised his hand to cover his chest and spat blood toward Luo Wanqing!

The moment he spat blood, Luo Wanqing’s hand formed a blade as she suddenly rose and stabbed toward his body!

Her movement was too fast. Zheng Bikui’s eyes blazed with fury as he and Wang Qingfeng attacked simultaneously from front and back, flanking Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing could dodge one person, but with both attacking at once, she couldn’t reach Zheng Pingsheng at all.

Yet she neither dodged nor evaded, still rushing straight forward. Just as Zheng Bikui was about to touch Luo Wanqing, a cold arrow suddenly struck from somewhere unknown, forcing Zheng Bikui to dodge hastily while Xie Heng raised his hand and struck Wang Qingfeng away with one palm.

In that moment of obstruction, Luo Wanqing’s hand completely pierced through Zheng Pingsheng’s chest. This time, blood truly splashed on Luo Wanqing’s face. Yang Chun took the opportunity to attack urgently from behind her, shouting: “Audacious traitor!”

Hearing this shout, Luo Wanqing knew Yang Chun intended to kill her. She exploded her internal energy, withdrawing her hand and turning around, prepared to take this palm strike head-on. However, as she turned, she felt Xie Heng’s wide sleeves unfurl, his wedding robe embroidered with dragons and phoenixes blocking her view as he suddenly raised his hand to receive Yang Chun’s palm while shouting: “Your Majesty!”

Hearing this, Yang Chun quickly turned back to see that assassins had already charged toward Li Zong. Fortunately, Zhuque, Xuanshan, and others seemed prepared, having already thrown themselves in front of Li Zong to block the assassins.

With Li Zong in danger, Yang Chun couldn’t care about anything else and hurried back to Li Zong’s side. Luo Wanqing seized the opportunity, drawing a knife from her sleeve and slashing directly at Zheng Bikui, shouting: “By His Majesty’s command, execute the traitor, exterminate the Zheng clan! Today, any Zheng clan members present—kill without mercy!”

Hearing this, Zheng Bikui’s eyes showed panic as Li Zong looked up in shock and anger: “Luo Wanqing, you’re being outrageous!”

The moment his words fell, explosion sounds suddenly erupted from outside the garden. The ground shook violently as over a dozen black-clothed figures leaped in. Zheng Bikui took the opportunity to dodge Luo Wanqing’s blade, rolling away on the ground before charging toward the back mountain, shouting: “Run! All Zheng family members run!”

How could Luo Wanqing let him go? She pursued closely behind.

The scene became complete chaos—no one could tell whose people were whose.

Xie Heng walked through the crowd to Li Zong’s side, protecting him: “Your Majesty, please go somewhere safe first.”

Li Zong paid no attention, only seeing Luo Wanqing chasing Zheng Bikui as they fled, shouting: “Catch her!”

Yang Chun and Xie Heng protected him on the left and right as they moved outside. Amid wave after wave of explosive sounds, Li Zong shouted urgently: “Catch her, kill Luo Wanqing! Catch her!”

Xie Heng didn’t respond. Yang Chun looked anxious: “Your Majesty, your imperial body is important—please leave here first, Your Majesty!”

“Must kill her, must hand her over to the Zheng family for an explanation.”

Li Zong was escorted out by them, falling into a somewhat obsessive state. As he walked, he said: “Heng’er, quickly find all the Zheng family members at today’s banquet, don’t let them escape, but don’t let them come to harm either… must kill Luo Wanqing…”

Saying this, Li Zong stared at Xie Heng, saying earnestly, “Go kill her.”

The three had reached a safe area, and the explosion sounds had stopped. Li Zong looked into Xie Heng’s eyes, reminding him: “If she doesn’t die, she’s your wife—you can’t escape involvement.”

However, when these words came out, everyone present understood that, compared to Xie Heng, from the moment Luo Wanqing said “by His Majesty’s command,” Li Zong would forever be the suspect.

Yet Xie Heng didn’t argue, only declaring loudly: “Xuanshan, seal off the Supervision Department—no one is allowed to leave. Qingya,” Xie Heng turned and headed outside, “bring the great bow.”

Luo Wanqing chased Zheng Bikui out of the courtyard. Zheng Bikui’s men saw him in danger and immediately charged out, but just as they rushed over, Fang Yuan and others drew their swords and pounced forward, shouting: “Someone come! Catch the assassins!”

The White Tiger Division people blocked Zheng Bikui’s men while the Supervision Department began sealing all escape routes. Zheng Bikui looked up, quickly identified an escape route, and headed straight for the back mountain.

Though rash in character, having spent years in the military, he was top-tier in martial arts and escape skills.

He rushed into the mountains, but Luo Wanqing was far more familiar with the Supervision Department’s back mountain. Seeing him enter the forest, she took a side path to circle around, reaching Zheng Bikui’s front and suddenly pouncing from the woods, her blade slashing straight at his neck.

Zheng Bikui reacted extremely quickly, grabbing Luo Wanqing’s wrist and using his weight advantage to throw her along with her charging momentum. Both instantly rolled to the ground. Zheng Bikui straddled Luo Wanqing, gripping his knife and thrusting it toward her face. Luo Wanqing neither dodged nor avoided, swinging her blade up urgently toward his head. In the end, Zheng Bikui retreated, pulling back his dagger to block the blade while Luo Wanqing seized the opportunity to punch fiercely into Zheng Bikui’s abdomen!

Zheng Bikui was sent flying by the force. Luo Wanqing leaped up, swinging her blade with full effort toward Zheng Bikui!

Each strike carried wind and rain with thunderous force.

Zheng Bikui barely blocked them, panting as he said: “You’ve already married Xie Heng—why seek your death?”

“Death?”

Luo Wanqing laughed mockingly. Zheng Bikui suddenly kicked her, flying. She grabbed a tree trunk, swung back, and smashed into Zheng Bikui’s head, sneering: “You think I’m walking a path to death?”

“You killed my father, now kill me today—you won’t have a good ending.”

Their blades clashed together. With equal strength on both sides, Luo Wanqing felt her tiger’s mouth bleeding from the shock.

“His Majesty will protect me.” Luo Wanqing stared at him, eyes full of smugness. “Do you think being Madam Xie could pacify me?”

“He’s just using you as an excuse!” Zheng Bikui heard this and flew into rage, pressing down on her blade: “Once we’re finished, you’ll be the scapegoat. You’ll bear the blame for his abuse of military force, causing disaster. Then, even being cut into pieces wouldn’t be excessive!”

“Only useless people get cut into pieces,” Luo Wanqing smiled. “But His Majesty promised to make me Director of the Supervision Department.”

Hearing this, Zheng Bikui was stunned. Luo Wanqing struck blow after blow, her voice calm: “Does His Majesty care about the Zheng clan? The aristocratic families have grown too powerful—His Majesty has had enough. If I can sweep away the aristocratic families for His Majesty—” As Luo Wanqing spoke, light burst from her eyes as she violently knocked Zheng Bikui to the ground, then charged forward and knelt, smashing into his chest.

His ribs shattered inch by inch. Zheng Bikui felt that even breathing was painful. He stared at Luo Wanqing, hearing her say: “How could His Majesty bear to kill me? A woman of humble birth who reached the grandmaster level and is simultaneously beloved by Xie Heng and the Third Prince—am I not much more useful than Xie Heng?”

“You…” Zheng Bikui looked at her in shock. “You’re not… not Xie Heng’s person…”

“Xie Heng belongs to His Majesty, while I only belong to profit. Do you think I wanted to avenge my father? Am I stupid? If it was just revenge, killing you all would suffice—why file complaints?”

Luo Wanqing leaned down, smiling: “It was all His Majesty’s arrangement. The Zheng clan’s current reputation, today’s outcome—from the very beginning when His Majesty wanted to raise troops in Sizhou—it was all destined.”

Zheng Bikui breathed rapidly. Luo Wanqing continued: “Know where today’s arrow that blocked you came from? Yang Chun.”

That’s right—Xie Heng had been watching without acting. Among those present, only Yang Chun had such capability.

“Yang Chun’s attempt to kill me was just theater. If you all don’t die completely today, there might still be some hope. Otherwise, do you think Young Master would act against His Majesty’s people for me?”

“Why?”

Zheng Bikui finally understood. He looked up, asking involuntarily: “Hasn’t my Zheng family given enough? What more does he want?”

“Everything.” Luo Wanqing said calmly. “Everything from the Zheng family. No monarch will tolerate deception and oppression. Paper can’t wrap fire—you know clearly what you’ve done in the past.”

Hearing this, Zheng Bikui’s pupils contracted sharply.

Voices came from the distance. Luo Wanqing’s expression changed slightly, then she immediately raised her blade: “Ask the rest in hell.”

With that, the blade fell. Zheng Bikui’s eyes suddenly turned cold as he raised his hand and struck fiercely at Luo Wanqing’s chest. Luo Wanqing hastily turned to block but was still sent flying, coughing up blood.

“Thank you for telling me all this.”

Luo Wanqing looked up in panic to see Zheng Bikui slowly standing up, wiping the blood from his lips and saying coldly: “No time today. Next time I see you, I’ll cut you into pieces.”

“Someone come!”

Luo Wanqing shouted urgently. Zheng Bikui turned and left. Luo Wanqing staggered up to pursue, but Zheng Bikui moved extremely fast, disappearing into the forest in just a few steps.

Luo Wanqing pursued briefly, then her expression calmed. She stopped and looked back at the pursuers.

Zheng Bikui thought these people were coming to kill her, but she knew clearly that those blocking the Zheng family were only from the White Tiger Division. Soon, they would know she had attacked and assassinated Zheng Pingsheng—they couldn’t pursue her.

Those who could still chase and kill her now could only be Li Zong’s people.

She disguised her trail, then touched her toe to a tree and climbed up, traveling through the trees toward the suspension bridge.

Li Guiyu was waiting for her by the river—she couldn’t possibly walk into that trap.

She couldn’t go to the riverside, so the only suitable escape route was the mountain suspension bridge. The bridge spanned two mountains with a hundred-zhang distance between them. Even top experts couldn’t cross without a bridge. As long as she crossed first and cut the bridge, she could stop the pursuers.

She endured her injuries in the forest. The mountain moon carried cool tenderness while the Supervision Department glowed with lights in the distance. Walking alone in the night, she suddenly remembered the last time she traveled like this was on Purple Cloud Mountain.

Back then, Cui Heng had followed her all the way, watching her advance fearlessly.

She hadn’t been afraid then because she knew someone was always behind her.

But not this time.

This was a path she walked alone—she couldn’t let Xie Heng follow.

Cui Heng had protected her on this journey, and she was willing to pour all her tenderness back to him for the rest of his life.

She was almost at the end. Once she escaped, she could wait for events to develop.

Now she had taken the first step. As long as Zheng Bikui’s reason for rebellion had nothing to do with Xie Heng, he would just be a general dragged in and ordered by Li Zong to send troops. All the blame couldn’t be placed on him.

Then the next step… the next step…

Luo Wanqing burst from the dense forest and saw the cliff in the distance.

Between the two mountains, spanning over a hundred zhang, with the thunderous sound of rushing water below the cliff.

Moonlight scattered on the flat cliff. On the opposite cliff wall hung a suspension bridge that had been cut, with someone who seemed to have been waiting for a long time standing at the original bridge entrance.

The suspension bridge was broken.

Luo Wanqing suddenly stopped, staring fixedly at Li Guiyu standing at the cliff’s edge. He seemed to have anticipated this, looking at Luo Wanqing with disappointment in his eyes.

“Seeing Miss here makes me very sad.”

Li Guiyu rested his hand on his sword, showing no emotion, only saying: “You can’t cross this distance. Come down the mountain with me—let’s go back.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t speak. She looked up at the length of the suspension bridge hanging over the cliff edge, secretly estimating her strength.

Three zhang short.

At her limit, she was at least three zhang short. For martial artists, the limit of lightness skills—each inch further was a breakthrough.

If she had external assistance, there might be a chance, but on this empty cliff, where would external help come from?

But behind her were Li Zong’s pursuers. No, Li Guiyu wouldn’t let her wait for Li Zong’s pursuers.

Being captured alive by Li Guiyu, or gambling for a chance at life from a dead end…

Luo Wanqing looked toward the suspension bridge opposite, calculating possibilities.

She couldn’t leap directly across, but if she could push forward while falling and grab the suspension bridge to climb up, that was feasible.

But this would be gambling with her life.

Luo Wanqing breathed lightly, staring at the distant suspension bridge, muscles tensing as she began considering the possibility of leaping across.

Li Guiyu saw her expression and knew her plan. His eyes showed sadness mixed with confusion: “I don’t understand why you insist on leaving.”

“Not understanding doesn’t require understanding.”

“Miss, in this world you only have me,” Li Guiyu’s expression slowly became firm, with persistence and temptation: “And I only have you left. In this earthly hell, why not stay and always accompany me?”

“This is only your hell.” Luo Wanqing raised her eyes, confirmed her position, and suddenly charged toward Li Guiyu’s direction.

She needed to leap from the position closest to the suspension bridge, which was Li Guiyu’s position.

Li Guiyu would surely block her—only one chance with the blade!

She charged at flying speed, concentrating all her power in the blade. When she reached him, her blade slashed fiercely toward Li Guiyu as she shouted: “But it’s my mortal world!”

Li Guiyu’s expression didn’t change. He drew his sword with one hand, and when she came before him, he spun his entire body and crossed his sword to block her.

Having just taken Zheng Bikui’s palm strike, she couldn’t handle this magnificent sword strike—couldn’t withstand it.

But she had no choice but to meet the sword. Behind her were pursuers, Li Guiyu was to her side, and except for this cliff, she had nowhere to go.

The blade rushed toward the sword edge—the result would be known instantly. However, at that very moment, an urgent whistle came racing from the forest. A giant arrow several times larger than ordinary arrows suddenly pierced between the two.

The giant arrow carried over a hundred zhang of hemp rope behind it. The moment Luo Wanqing saw the rope, her heartbeat suddenly accelerated. She heard it pounding like a drum. She didn’t even need to turn around—she knew who had come.

The giant arrow instantly crossed the cliff and crashed into a large tree opposite. Luo Wanqing almost simultaneously leaped up, stepped on the rope, and flew across.

Li Guiyu instinctively moved, but his intuition made him suddenly roll to the side. An arrow flew past exactly where he had been standing. Li Guiyu looked up in shock to see Xie Heng holding a giant bow, standing not far away.

This was a giant bow commonly used for siege wall climbing, requiring several people working together to draw it, capable of carrying rope to secure to city walls.

At this moment, he had planted the bow on the ground, drawing the bowstring as if plucking a guqin, calmly staring at Li Guiyu like staring at prey, saying coldly: “Don’t move.”

Saying this, he released one finger. The sound of the bowstring rang around them, making Li Guiyu’s heart tighten.

At this distance, with this great bow and Xie Heng’s ability, if he were even slightly distracted, he would certainly die from the arrow.

The two faced off quietly. Xie Heng spoke first: “Dare to turn around and you’ll die.”

As he spoke, Luo Wanqing had already cut the rope, rushed past the large tree with the arrow, leaped to tear down the red cloth hanging on the arrow, and ran urgently into the forest.

She heard the sound of rushing river water, felt the spring night’s cool breeze brush her cheek. She couldn’t help but look back to see Xie Heng on the opposite cliff, holding his bow and standing quietly.

Mountain wind made his wide sleeves flutter and his red robes wave. Moonlight scattered on him. Though his arrows always pointed in the direction of her path and he hadn’t followed her, she always felt he was right beside her.

Unprecedented peace of mind surged in her heart. She didn’t dare look longer and turned to charge forward urgently.

After completely running out of the danger zone and confirming that finding her again would be extremely difficult, she finally leaned against a tree, panting, and opened the cloth strip Xie Heng had left for her.

It bore Xie Heng’s handwriting, simple and clear:

“The mountain gate stands open at night. Return home soon.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Li Zong: “Quick, go kill your wife.”

Xie Heng: “Bring the great bow.”

Li Zong: “Excellent! Using such a big bow to shoot her! This time she’s dead. Heng’er, I’m confident in your work—kill her cleanly.”

Xie Heng: “Mm, kill cleanly.”

Yang Chun: “Your Majesty, say less, your imperial body is important—let’s run quickly.”