◎Ji Ruifang Has Awakened◎

“Director Luo.”

On the outskirts of Si Prefecture city, at a military banquet, Luo Wanqing sat at the head of the military tent with Xie Heng beside her. Zheng Qiuhe held a cup of wine and approached Luo Wanqing, offering a toast with some trepidation.

He was the newly appointed head of the Zheng family, Zheng Qiuhe.

Three days ago, this very young man had come trembling to Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing’s military tent in the middle of the night. He had come in such haste, almost risking his life to force his way through. When soldiers dragged him to Luo Wanqing’s tent entrance, she hadn’t even finished dressing and rushed out wearing Xie Heng’s outer robe. She then saw this young man kowtowing and saying: “Director Luo, General Luo, I know the Zheng family has no way out this time. We, branch family members, have done nothing wrong. We’re willing to guide you, as long as you spare us.”

Luo Wanqing listened quietly, frowning.

Then Zheng Qiuhe heard a young man in the tent chuckle softly and say slowly: “It’s not about whether Director Luo will spare you, but whether you’re worth sparing.”

With that, a young man lifted the tent flap. His clothes were disheveled, his appearance refined and beautiful. His every gesture was graceful and composed, yet carried an air of superiority. He looked down at Zheng Qiuhe kneeling on the ground, bent slightly, and said calmly: “Do you want to become the head of the Zheng family?”

Zheng Qiuhe was stunned. In the past, he had almost no significant connection to the Zheng family.

He disapproved of the Zheng family’s actions, but they were clan members after all, and he was helpless—he could only keep his distance.

However, he knew that the Zheng clan’s treason was a crime that would implicate nine generations of relatives, involving the life and death of clan members. He could only come and take this gamble.

Hearing the young man’s words, Zheng Qiuhe understood his meaning. Seeing the change in Zheng Qiuhe’s eyes, the young man straightened and directly ordered: “Zhuque, count the personnel and follow Young Master Zheng’s orders. If the young master can become head of the Zheng family and hand over the criminals, Director Luo is benevolent and will certainly not implicate the innocent.”

With that, the young man looked at Luo Wanqing, standing nearby. When his gaze fell on her, it became gentler: “Isn’t that right, Director Luo?”

“Yes.”

Luo Wanqing looked somewhat helplessly at Xie Heng, who had rashly emerged. She knew Xie Heng was displeased at being interrupted and was now deliberately making things difficult for this scholarly Zheng Qiuhe, but she still said helplessly: “As long as Young Master Zheng can persuade his family to voluntarily hand over the criminals for the Supervision Department to judge, the Supervision Department will not implicate the innocent.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Qiuhe pressed his lips together. After thinking for a long time, he kowtowed before Luo Wanqing, then left with his people.

Luo Wanqing hadn’t expected this somewhat wooden-looking young man to accomplish anything, but unexpectedly, three days later, he became the head of the Zheng family, bound the clan elders, and opened the city gates.

After opening the gates, everything became simple. Luo Wanqing stationed the army in the suburbs, brought a group of people into the city, reestablished the Supervision Department, then opened wide to accept all cases and reorganized all city affairs.

After working for a day and night, Si Prefecture city was finally completely settled, which also meant she had completely taken control of Si Prefecture.

Everyone finally rested, and she held a celebration banquet for the army in the suburbs according to custom.

After everyone toasted in turn, Zheng Qiuhe also came forward. He had never been involved in official circles before and didn’t know most people here—he only knew Luo Wanqing. Seeing him approach with an uneasy expression, Luo Wanqing smiled at him reassuringly: “Young Master Zheng needn’t be formal. Please sit.”

Seeing Luo Wanqing’s kind expression, Zheng Qiuhe relaxed considerably. He sat across from Luo Wanqing and heard her say: “I’ve been busy since entering the city until now and haven’t heard Young Master Zheng explain the details. How did you persuade the clan elders to agree to opening the city gates?”

“It wasn’t persuasion—we had prepared early.”

Zheng Qiuhe smiled bitterly upon hearing this: “The Zheng family has many branches. In Si Prefecture city, the entire Zheng family’s marriage-related clan members probably number over ten thousand. When news of the Xu City incident reached everyone’s ears, everyone was quite panicked. First, after learning of Zheng Pingsheng’s rebellion, we were afraid. Everyone knows that Director Luo’s arrival is justified. If we resist, we’d be rebels whom everyone in the world could attack. But if we don’t resist, with the crime of implicating nine generations, would the court spare us?”

“Your fear is understandable.” Luo Wanqing nodded, then said: “So you decided not to resist?”

“Naturally, we branch members who hadn’t done anything didn’t want to get involved. Moreover, we could see clearly that over these years, the main family’s actions had already made the people unbearably burdened. If we truly opposed the court and went to war, the soldiers would not only have to battle Xie Heng but also guard against civilian attacks. The Zheng family would be like an isolated island, with no one wanting to stand on it. So… when we learned the imperial army was approaching Si Prefecture city, everyone sent me to test Director Luo’s attitude. If you were willing to spare us ordinary branch members, we would clean house ourselves.”

“So if you had died that day, the Zheng family would have been determined to resist to the end?”

Understanding this, Luo Wanqing saw Zheng Qiuhe nod sheepishly, then realized what he had said and quickly added: “Not really—even if I had died, the family would still be loyal to His Majesty.”

“No need to be so cautious,” Luo Wanqing found his explanation amusing and smiled reassuringly. “It’s human nature—I understand.”

Luo Wanqing was beautiful. When Zheng Qiuhe had seen her before, she always carried the dignity of someone in a high position, and he hadn’t dared look directly at her.

Now, with her gentle smile rippling like autumn water, Zheng Qiuhe stared in a daze until a light cough from nearby brought him back to his senses. He hastily looked away, not daring to stare.

“But putting it this way, when Young Master Zheng came to find me, you were risking death. Weren’t you afraid I’d kill you?” Luo Wanqing didn’t notice Zheng Qiuhe’s reaction and asked jokingly.

Zheng Qiuhe paused, then nodded: “I was afraid.”

“Then why come?”

“Someone had to come,” Zheng Qiuhe smiled bitterly. “With so many people in the family, we had to find a way to survive. Besides… if I didn’t come, I wouldn’t survive anyway.”

“Weren’t you afraid I’d deceive you?” Luo Wanqing asked curiously. Zheng Qiuhe shook his head.

He looked at Luo Wanqing seriously: “Director Luo isn’t that kind of person.”

“Oh,” Luo Wanqing nodded, then asked curiously: “If no one had forced you, would you still have come?”

“I would have.” Zheng Qiuhe nodded.

Luo Wanqing raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled: “Why?”

“To meet Director Luo.” Zheng Qiuhe boldly smiled: “It seems I wouldn’t be afraid anymore.”

Just as Zheng Qiuhe finished speaking, Luo Wanqing felt a particularly obvious gaze from beside her.

She looked up and saw Xie Heng at the nearby small table, holding wine and staring at her and Zheng Qiuhe without concealment.

Seeing her look over, Xie Heng finally withdrew his gaze, then simply stood up and walked outside.

Seeing him leave the tent, Luo Wanqing hesitated for a moment, then turned to smile at Zheng Qiuhe: “I’m a bit tired. Please make yourself comfortable, Young Master Zheng.”

With that, she stood up and followed Xie Heng out of the tent.

Xie Heng sensed her following but didn’t stop, walking leisurely toward the grove by the moat.

The two entered the forest, moonlight falling on them both. After Luo Wanqing had followed for a while, she finally spoke: “Going much further will be too far.”

“What’s wrong with going far?”

Xie Heng didn’t turn back. He walked to the riverside, sat down with his hands supporting him, looked at the water, and smiled: “Afraid you won’t make it back in time to have a few more drinks with Young Master Zheng?”

“Just chatting.”

Luo Wanqing sat beside him, listening to the sound of rushing water at their feet, turning to study him: “Are you angry?”

“How could I be?” Xie Heng glanced at her, his words carrying barbs: “Director Luo now holds a high position. Today was just an appetizer—in the future, perhaps people will send male favorites. If I got angry just over a conversation, how would I manage in the future?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, then turned the topic to him curiously: “So someone has sent you people?”

Xie Heng paused, not expecting her to react so quickly and turn defense into offense. For a moment, he didn’t dare respond, clearing his throat: “What were you two talking about?”

“Have they sent people?” Xie Heng’s reaction made Luo Wanqing even more curious, pressing relentlessly: “Are you lying to me? You’re not just because you studied at the Dao Sect…”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t bring herself to say “bedroom arts” and could only ask: “Do you only have me?”

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng didn’t defend himself but sighed, looking at Luo Wanqing with grievance: “Don’t we even have this much trust between us?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t speak, looking seriously at Xie Heng, while Xie Heng looked disappointed.

After staring at each other for a moment, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing her laugh, Xie Heng also smiled.

“I almost got drawn into your trap.”

Luo Wanqing smiled with pressed lips. Xie Heng glanced at her, complaining: “I’m the one who got drawn in. Your tongue is getting sharper.”

Luo Wanqing looked down at their two reflections in the water, saying gently: “If I weren’t sharp, wouldn’t I always be led around by Young Master?”

“I misjudged you.” Xie Heng sighed: “I thought you weren’t good with words, but you’re quite sharp-tongued. Tell me, did you have so much to say to Zheng Qiuhe?”

“I was afraid he was surrendering falsely.” Luo Wanqing became serious when discussing business: “So I wanted to chat carefully.”

“And?”

“Should be fine.” Luo Wanqing watched the flowing water, saying softly: “Treason is a matter of life and death—everyone’s afraid. If other noble families responded, they might have some confidence, but now they’re an isolated island. The Zheng family has no intention of sinking together.”

“The people are too lazy to sink with them either.”

Xie Heng continued. Luo Wanqing fell silent, then, after a moment, looked at Xie Heng: “What about us?”

Xie Heng looked up questioningly, and Luo Wanqing asked curiously: “If we rebelled, would it be the same?”

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng smiled: “Naturally.”

With that, he turned to look at the rushing water: “Soldiers are human. No matter your reasons, they just want to find the easiest way to survive. Armies are sharp blades because once you enter the military, you become blind and deaf—you don’t know what’s the easiest way to survive, so you instinctively follow orders. But once you realize orders might make you more likely to die, you develop other thoughts. For example, if you make soldiers realize you’re rebelling and the whole world condemns you, why would those soldiers risk their lives for you?”

Luo Wanqing listened quietly as Xie Heng raised his finger and flicked the air lightly: “If military morale is like this, it’s as precarious as a stack of eggs—any disturbance can make such an army collapse immediately. This won’t be different whether the leader is the Zheng clan or you and I.”

“Then…” Luo Wanqing was somewhat puzzled: “What does Young Master plan to do next?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng was somewhat surprised, raising an eyebrow: “What, you have no plans? I thought Director Luo was full of strategies with countless plans for what comes next.”

“I have no more plans.”

Luo Wanqing shook her head, satisfied: “Reaching this point, I’m already at peace.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Your fate has changed.” Warmth appeared in Luo Wanqing’s eyes as she looked down at her toes, kicking aimlessly: “Zheng Pingsheng’s death has nothing to do with you, you didn’t bring warfare to Si Prefecture, and you didn’t falsely accuse and massacre the entire Zheng clan…”

Luo Wanqing smiled: “All these charges have been cleared. As for what comes next,” she looked up at him, gentle yet serious: “I’ll listen to Young Master.”

Xie Heng’s gaze stirred. He studied the person before him, and after a long while, smiled lightly, somewhat helplessly: “You… release all the main ingredients, then say you’ll follow me now.”

With that, Xie Heng turned away, not dwelling on these matters, and laid out his plan completely: “But it doesn’t matter—things are almost done. Recently, I’ve sealed off all information from the borders. The court can only receive the news I give them. According to the plan, today elder brother will launch a surprise attack on the Northern Rong from the northwest. Tomorrow, you’ll use receiving battle reports as an excuse to lead the army straight to the border and join your elder brother in a pincer attack on the Northern Rong.”

“Young Master wants to tell His Majesty that the Northern Rong attacked first?” Luo Wanqing understood, frowning: “If the Wang family causes trouble in the rear at this time…”

“Other noble families won’t agree,” Xie Heng immediately said: “At least before we finish fighting the Northern Rong, other families won’t allow the Wang family to attack us from behind—they’re also afraid the Northern Rong might break through. They’ll only wait—wait for us to finish fighting the Northern Rong and be exhausted, then profit from our conflict.”

“What does Young Master plan to do then?”

“That’s when it’ll be perfect.” Xie Heng smiled: “We’ll welcome back the Cui family army. After six years of tempering outside, that army will be elite, belonging to us. As for His Majesty’s army, after you lead them through several battles, the survivors will be your people. Then we’ll have nearly a hundred thousand troops. If the Wang family rebels then, they’ll be traitors first—we’ll unite the world to punish them, which couldn’t be better.”

Listening, Luo Wanqing understood Xie Heng’s intention.

She thought and continued asking: “But if during the pincer attack on the Northern Rong, the army suffers heavy losses…”

“So you must preserve lives.” Xie Heng knew what she wanted to say and immediately replied: “Yours and others’. I’ve bribed Northern Rong officials. If nothing unexpected happens, after war breaks out, these officials will advocate peace talks with the Northern Rong emperor. You can negotiate with them, as long as they return the ten border cities and let the Han people return, we can stop fighting. Except for the opening battles, avoid fighting when possible. Preserve strength to welcome the elder brother back. If the Wang family doesn’t rebel, we’ll return with this army. They’re the most powerful witnesses to the Cui clan case…”

As Xie Heng spoke, he gradually fell silent, finding it hard to continue. But Luo Wanqing understood. She looked into Xie Heng’s eyes and completed what he couldn’t say: “Young Master will take them to the great hall to seek justice for the Cui family, for mother.”

Li Zong didn’t dare handle this case because the Wang and Zheng families were powerful and he didn’t want to provoke them.

But now, with the Zheng family defeated and them having an army to contend with the Wang clan, Li Zong had no more reason to show favoritism.

He should give a verdict.

“Then use punishing the Wang clan as an opportunity to bring up the Great Xia Code again.” Luo Wanqing described Xie Heng’s hoped-for future: “Young Master’s journey would then be complete.”

“Then you can personally try your case.” Hearing her words, Xie Heng couldn’t help smiling: “How do you plan to deal with Li Guiyu?”

“However, the Great Xia Code would deal with him; that’s how I’ll deal with him.”

Hearing Li Guiyu’s name, Luo Wanqing’s expression remained calm, her tone flat: “Between him and me, it’s just a matter of needing an ending.”

“Do you still hate him?”

Xie Heng asked curiously. Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, then said softly: “I don’t know. I just feel that, having come this far, there should be a conclusion. Young Master…” With that, Luo Wanqing reached out, unconsciously touching her face, murmuring: “It hurt so much.”

Xie Heng’s heart trembled. He suddenly regretted asking these questions.

He reached out and took Luo Wanqing’s hand in his: “It’s my fault for making you think of unhappy things. Let’s talk about happy things—when everything’s over, what do you plan to do?”

“What about Young Master?”

Luo Wanqing asked curiously: “What does Young Master plan to do?”

“I want to stay by your side,” Xie Heng smiled, thinking of the future: “I want to take you to meet my father, have a meal with him, and my family members—introduce you to them. Then accompany you to find your family members—you must miss them very much.”

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng, her eyes full of tenderness. Xie Heng continued: “Oh, I also want to go to Yangzhou with you, take back the Luo mansion, eat tofu pudding with you, raise some cats, brew some wine—brew one jar each year, and when we’re old, drink one jar each year.”

Xie Heng had many scattered wishes. He rambled on, and after a long while, he lowered his eyes, holding Luo Wanqing’s hand, saying softly: “I want to make up for these six years. Xiniang…”

He stubbornly called her by this name that belonged to him, with some regret: “If only you had taken me away from the bamboo grove back then.”

“I couldn’t take you away then,” Luo Wanqing spoke honestly, gripping his hand in return: “But haven’t I taken you away now?”

She hadn’t taken him from the bamboo grove, but she had brought him out of that dungeon, let him return to the bamboo grove, and dream a beautiful dream of romance.

Xie Heng smiled, suddenly remembering something: “Oh, I almost forgot—Xuanshan went to see Zhang Chunzi a few days ago. Zhang Chunzi heard you came to Si Prefecture and said he had a gift for you.”

“Oh?”

Luo Wanqing was curious. She saw Xie Heng take a booklet from his sleeve and hand it to her.

Luo Wanqing looked down at the booklet and saw that it was a blade manual. Somewhat puzzled, Xie Heng explained: “He heard you use a blade, and since you’ve studied his techniques, he decided to pass his blade skills to you. This is what he drew in prison during this time—he wants you to look at it.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing found it strange. Taking the blade manual, after flipping through a few pages, she smiled: “Young Master, aren’t you deceiving me?”

Xie Heng looked at her with confusion. Luo Wanqing handed the manual to Xie Heng helplessly: “How is this different from the blade techniques I practice myself?”

Xie Heng was startled, then took the manual. After flipping through several pages, he knew Luo Wanqing was right.

Luo Wanqing’s blade techniques, taught by Zhang Jiuran, were the simplest possible. Compared to Luo Wanqing’s techniques, this manual was just more detailed, but essentially no different.

Xie Heng looked at the manual with some surprise. Luo Wanqing sat on the steps, smiling: “What Sister Jiuran taught me was the most basic blade work. Senior Zhang probably just randomly found basic techniques to fool me.”

Xie Heng said nothing. He carefully flipped to the last page, something flickering in his eyes. After a moment, he seemed to understand, chuckled lightly, stuffed the manual into Luo Wanqing’s arms, and smiled: “There are explanations here, too. Zhang Jiuran was too careless and probably didn’t teach you thoroughly enough. Find time to practice properly.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing took the manual and looked—it was indeed as Xie Heng said.

“True.” Luo Wanqing nodded, putting away the manual: “The simplest is also the hardest. I should study the fundamentals well.”

Xie Heng smiled and glanced at her without saying more. He supported himself to stand and extended his hand to Luo Wanqing: “Let’s go.”

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng’s outstretched hand, looked up at him, thought for a moment, then suddenly had a mischievous thought, smiling: “I drank a lot of wine and can’t walk well.”

“So?” Xie Heng asked, immediately understanding: “You want me to carry you?”

Luo Wanqing pressed her lips together, somewhat happy.

She let Xie Heng pull her up and jumped onto his back. Xie Heng carried her, sensing her mood, and asked strangely: “Why so happy?”

“Young Master is carrying me back.”

Luo Wanqing wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning on his shoulder, detailing what was special about today: “Today I’m not injured, and there’s nothing inconvenient.”

They weren’t on a mission and had nothing to do with all these complications.

He was just like an ordinary lover, carrying her, walking in the moonlight, listening to the trickling water.

April peach blossoms bloomed beautifully, the night breeze was fresh, and petals scattered down. Luo Wanqing’s voice was very soft: “My husband is carrying me home—I’m very happy.”

Xie Heng smiled. He didn’t turn back, only feeling those petals falling on his heart.

“Xiniang,” he suddenly felt hopeful about the future: “When everything’s over, let’s go to Lingnan once.”

“Why?” Hearing him mention Lingnan, Luo Wanqing instinctively gripped his shoulder clothes tightly.

The ten years from her dream lingered in her mind. She felt somewhat afraid, saying with difficulty: “That’s not a good place.”

“There are no bad places in this world.” Xie Heng’s voice was gentle: “I want to accompany you to all the places that frighten you. I know you spent ten years there in your dreams. I want to go see it with you. Perhaps I’m being presumptuous, but I think that if I’m with you, maybe… you’ll find it quite nice?”

Listening, Luo Wanqing heard Xie Heng continue slowly: “We’ll go to Lingnan, to the South Sea, to the desert river, to Changbai Mountain… We have such a long lifetime together.”

With that, Xie Heng smiled: “I never thought my life could be so long. Now I can’t help thinking—I can do so many things, I don’t know where to start.”

“But fortunately, wherever we go, as long as you’re with me, it’s all good.”

As Xie Heng spoke, he began thinking randomly about where to go without any order.

Luo Wanqing leaned on his back, feeling warm and steady. She couldn’t help getting drowsy, closing her eyes as he carried her back.

When they reached the military camp, most people were drunk. Xie Heng carried Luo Wanqing into the tent, removed her clothes and hair ornaments, and gently placed her on the bed.

For some reason, Luo Wanqing began having that long nightmare again.

In the dream, it was snowing in Lingnan in June. She stood before a notice board, listening to others discuss Xie Heng.

She looked at the charges on the notice, her dream scanning through them one by one.

Assassinating the Crown Prince.

Falsely accusing the Eastern Palace Six Rates.

Massacring five hundred people at Snow Spirit Mountain.

Assassinating Justice Minister Zheng Pingsheng.

Abusing military force, bringing chaos to the Si Prefecture.

Murdering the entire Zheng clan.

…

And more.

In her dream, she couldn’t see the last two charges on the notice.

Those two were written in blood-red, extremely prominent, but she couldn’t see them clearly—still couldn’t see them clearly.

But she realized these were the key—no, something was wrong.

Her heart beat extremely fast, frowning in the dream.

Seeing her distress, Xie Heng lit calming incense, then heard urgent footsteps outside: “Young Master.”

Qingya’s voice rang out. Xie Heng lifted the curtain and looked up, glancing at Luo Wanqing sleeping in the room, then waved his hand.

The two walked out of the tent. Seeing Qingya’s furrowed brow, Xie Heng directly asked: “What happened?”

“Xuanshan sent word—Ji Ruifang has awakened. She wants to see Young Master.”

Qingya spoke. Xie Heng nodded, only saying: “Then have him bring her over.”

“She’s already here.”

With these words, Xie Heng’s movements paused. He looked up at Qingya, only then noticing a woman standing in the distance.

She stood in the night wearing a cloak, her entire face buried in the cloak’s shadow.

Xie Heng stared intently at her. She coughed lightly, raised her hand to remove the cloak, and lifted her eyes, revealing the woman’s deep features.

“It’s been a long time,” Ji Ruifang smiled: “Xie Heng.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Zheng Qiuhe: “The man beside Director Luo has refined looks and disheveled clothes—he must be Director Luo’s male favorite. Since Director Luo likes this type, for the sake of the family, I’m willing to sacrifice myself.”

Xie Heng: “Hmm?”

The Zheng Family: “No! Qiuhe, don’t do anything foolish—not!!”

Luo Wanqing: “So this is the treatment of a director? Power is truly wonderful.”