You’re not allowed to hug me when we’re discussing business in the future◎

Departing from the Eastern Capital, Luo Wanqing led Xie Heng and Qingya on a swift journey.

The cavalry traveled rapidly, moving at least twice the speed of infantry. What would normally take over ten days, Luo Wanqing forcibly compressed into six days.

When they approached Xu City at the border of Si Prefecture, Luo Wanqing avoided entering the first two cities and stayed off the official roads to prevent news from leaking, instead passing directly through the forests.

Upon reaching the vicinity of Xu City, Luo Wanqing had the soldiers set up camp in the forest to rest and reorganize, then sent people to Xu City to gather intelligence.

Ordinary people couldn’t possibly maintain carrier pigeons and establish outposts in every location like the Supervision Department. The Zheng family shouldn’t have received news of their arrival outside Xu City yet.

“If nothing unexpected happens, Liang Hui should be defending the city. We can form battle formations tonight,” Xie Heng said in the military tent, pointing at the sand table. “These generals are merely taking people’s money and have no intention of fighting to the death. We might as well use the cover of night to create an imposing presence. When they’re afraid to fight, Liang Hui can persuade the city’s defending generals to surrender and open the gates.”

“Young Master is certain they won’t want to fight?”

Luo Wanqing asked curiously.

Xie Heng chuckled softly: “The soldiers are all common people. They have no intention of being loyal to the Zheng clan—they’re just used to following their commanders out of habit, not knowing where else to go. These generals are also afraid of death. With the imperial army besieging the city, why would they risk their lives for the Zheng family? Everyone is afraid; they just need someone to speak up and take responsibility for surrendering, and others will naturally follow. We only need to make these generals feel pressure,” Xie Heng looked at the sand table, lightly tapping the table, “and Liang Hui will have his opportunity.”

Luo Wanqing nodded, understanding that Xie Heng was right. She was about to discuss arrangements for after entering the city when Qingya suddenly burst through the tent flap, saying urgently, “Young Master, this is bad.”

Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng both turned to look, seeing Qingya’s serious expression as he said: “The scouts report that Xu City has a large army stationed there, and the commanding general has been replaced.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing frowned and immediately asked: “Who?”

“Zheng Bikui.”

Qingya said seriously, “Liang Hui says Zheng Bikui has transferred his elite troops, and they’re continuously heading toward Xu City. The Zheng clan has also begun conscripting soldiers. When Zheng Bikui’s forces reach Xu City, there will be a total of forty thousand troops stationed in the city.”

“Have they truly rebelled?” Luo Wanqing asked aloud.

Qingya nodded, saying urgently: “Zheng Bikui arrived at Xu City on the third day after we departed and took control of the city with his elite forces.”

“How many people are currently in Xu City?” Xie Heng asked calmly.

“Including the original three thousand city defenders, thirteen thousand in total.”

Thirteen thousand defending soldiers versus six thousand cavalry—a forced assault on the city wasn’t impossible.

Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng exchanged glances. Xie Heng analyzed: “Zheng Bikui must have estimated the timing based on infantry marching speed, so his forces are still arriving gradually. There might also be other noble families secretly providing reinforcements. By the time all our people arrive, Xu City will probably be ready too.”

“So?” Luo Wanqing realized what Xie Heng intended to do and couldn’t help frowning.

Without hesitation, Xie Heng continued his analysis: “The best plan is to attack the city tonight, with Liang Hui coordinating from inside while we attack from outside, catching them completely off guard.”

“But six thousand cavalry in a direct assault,” Luo Wanqing earnestly persuaded, “will result in many deaths.”

“How can there be no deaths in war?” Xie Heng looked up at her, saying seriously, “Seizing the best opportunity is the only way to ensure minimal casualties.”

“But this way, both sides will suffer extremely heavy losses.” Luo Wanqing reminded him, “To defend the city, Zheng Bikui might very well force the city’s civilians to the front lines. If too many civilians die, as soon as the battle ends, they’ll immediately run out and spread word of what happened in Xu City. Then, when the people of all Si Prefecture hear the news, they won’t understand why we came—they’ll only see Xu City’s tragic state and flee in all directions. Si Prefecture will descend into chaos.”

Luo Wanqing worried: “Xu City is now a benchmark for all other cities in Si Prefecture. How it’s taken will determine how other cities are taken. We cannot attack by force.”

“Xiniang, remember Duke Xiang of Song and the lesson of Chu,” Xie Heng persuaded her, speaking solemnly. “Don’t make other people’s lives pay for your righteousness.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing fell silent. She understood Xie Heng’s meaning.

Duke Xiang of Song fought the Chu army at Hong. Chu was strong, Song was weak. When the Chu army was crossing the water, his advisors requested battle, but Duke Xiang said no.

After the Chu army landed but was hindered by terrain and couldn’t form battle lines, his advisors again requested battle, but Duke Xiang still said no.

Finally, when the Chu army had formed their battle lines, Duke Xiang felt this was honorable and fair, so he finally beat the war drums. The two armies clashed, Song’s army was utterly defeated, everyone around Duke Xiang died, and he was wounded and barely escaped.

Afterward, his people blamed him, calling him falsely righteous and hypocritical. If he truly didn’t want to bully the weak or take advantage of others’ difficulties, why start a war at all? He should have surrendered early. He used his own people’s lives to buy himself a reputation as a gentleman.

Luo Wanqing turned away, suppressing her inner dissatisfaction, and explained: “Lives shouldn’t pay for one person’s reputation, but they also shouldn’t be wasted. I want to try other methods first.”

“What methods?”

Xie Heng asked calmly. Luo Wanqing thought for a moment: “When we departed from the Eastern Capital, I had Huai City prepare paper kites in advance. Tonight, Young Master can deploy the army outside Si Prefecture city, and then we can prepare some notices and use the paper kites to send them into the city, informing the people that I’m leading the army this time, with Young Master accompanying the troops to deliver justice for them. At daybreak tomorrow, they should open the city gates and welcome the imperial army. Young Master will review all their grievances, ensure they’re no longer oppressed, and in the future, Si Prefecture’s taxes will be no more than thirty percent. We’ll give them a new Si Prefecture.”

“What kind of method is that?” Xie Heng frowned. “Haven’t you seen how afraid Jiqing is of the Zheng family? With Zheng Bikui personally overseeing the city, ready to kill anyone who dares step forward—even if the people harbor resentment, who would dare come forward after seeing such scenes?”

“I will.”

Luo Wanqing looked up at Xie Heng, saying seriously, “In a while, Zhuque and I will sneak into the city together. Zhuque will make contact with Liang Hui while I hide in the shadows. At daybreak tomorrow, I’ll assassinate Zheng Bikui to create chaos. Young Master, have all the soldiers line up outside and shout together: ‘Open the city gates, welcome the imperial army!’ It must be rhythmic and repetitive. I’ll echo from inside the city. This way, people in the city who have rebellious intentions will join in shouting. As long as there are enough people inside the city who don’t want to die for the Zheng clan, as we expect, then the voices will quickly become loud enough to intimidate the other soldiers. Then I’ll find an opportunity to open the city gates.”

Xie Heng didn’t speak. He stared coldly at Luo Wanqing.

Feeling guilty under his stare, Luo Wanqing turned to look at the sand table: “If it goes smoothly, Xu City can set an example for the cities that follow.”

Xie Heng remained silent, and the entire tent fell quiet. Qingya and Zhuque exchanged glances, and Zhuque immediately said: “I think it’s quite good.”

Qingya closed his eyes in despair, sighed, then looked at Xie Heng, who had been staring at Luo Wanqing, and respectfully said: “Then, Young Master, shall I first take people to Huai City to get the paper kites?”

“Go ahead.”

Knowing Xie Heng wouldn’t speak, Luo Wanqing directly said: “Azure Dragon Chief, take more people with you.”

Seeing Luo Wanqing directly take over the conversation, Qingya glanced at Xie Heng again, thought for a moment, then bowed: “Then this subordinate will take his leave first.”

With that, he grabbed Zhuque’s sleeve and pulled him out of the tent.

Zhuque was somewhat confused and couldn’t help saying, “Why are you dragging me?”

The two of them tugged and pulled their way out, leaving only Luo Wanqing and Xie Heng in the tent.

Xie Heng coldly stood up to look at her. Luo Wanqing felt somewhat panicked. Xie Heng chuckled softly and only managed to say: “You…”

As soon as he spoke, Luo Wanqing’s heart raced. She immediately decided to go all in, stepped forward, and suddenly threw herself into his arms, tightly wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest.

Caught off guard by her embrace, Xie Heng found all his words stuck in his throat, unable to go up or down. After being stunned for a moment and realizing what she was doing, he quickly said with a cold face: “Let go!”

“I won’t let go.”

Luo Wanqing’s heart was beating rather fast. She had always been somewhat afraid of Xie Heng, a habit that persisted even after learning he was Cui Heng.

Having boldly proposed this plan today, she knew that putting herself in danger would displease Xie Heng. Thinking there wasn’t much to explain anyway, she simply held onto Xie Heng and said quietly: “People have already gone to handle things. If you want to scold me, then scold me, but I have to go regardless.”

“Let go of me!”

Xie Heng was somewhat at a loss. This was the first time he’d seen Luo Wanqing act coquettishly with him over serious matters. They had always kept public and private matters separate. By doing this, Luo Wanqing should have earned his rebuke, but being held by her, he truly couldn’t bring himself to be angry.

This made him feel somewhat embarrassed. He turned his head to look away, pretending to be indifferent: “If we’re discussing business, we discuss business. Who taught you to pull this kind of stunt?”

“I won’t let go. Looking at your face makes me afraid.” Luo Wanqing was completely unaware that he actually hadn’t pushed her away, and buried her head, honestly saying: “This way I’m a little braver.”

“What do you need courage for when talking to me?” Xie Heng was amused by her anger. “I won’t hit you. Besides, Director Luo is always decisive—how could you be afraid of me?”

“I am afraid.” Luo Wanqing buried her face in his chest, saying in a muffled voice: “You won’t hit me, but you’ll be sarcastic.”

For a moment, Xie Heng was rendered speechless by her words, but after being disrupted like this, he couldn’t bring himself to say harsh words either.

After thinking for a moment, since it was already a done deal, he took a deep breath and finally followed his heart, raising his hand to encircle her waist, saying reluctantly: “You’re not allowed to hug me when we’re discussing business in the future.”

Hearing his tone, Luo Wanqing carefully looked up: “So you’re letting me go?”

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t let you go.” Xie Heng was somewhat helpless, saying quietly, “I just feel uneasy, but I also know this is your path.”

As he spoke, Xie Heng seemed somewhat sad. He lowered his head to grasp Luo Wanqing’s hand, saying softly: “Go ahead. At daybreak, no matter what happens… I’ll come to get you.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked up at him. Xie Heng looked at the back of her hand, gently tightening his grip: “If something happens to you, after entering the city, I’ll behead and flay those generals for all of Si Prefecture to see.”

“Young Master…”

For an instant, Luo Wanqing remembered his reputation from the previous life. She knew he wasn’t joking, and couldn’t help feeling somewhat uneasy.

Xie Heng sensed her gaze and looked up to meet it.

“Just kidding.” He smiled, lowered his head to kiss her cheek, then released her and turned around, his tone becoming more serious: “Prepare yourself. I’ll arrange for you and Zhuque to enter the city.”

—

**Author’s Note:**

**[Mini Theater]**

Xie Heng: “You’re not allowed to hug me when we’re discussing business in the future!”

Luo Wanqing: “What happens if I do hug you?”

Xie Heng: “…If you hug me, I want to kiss you, and if I kiss you, I forget what we were just talking about!!”