◎You Want to Use Xie Heng to Bait Them?◎

Hearing that name, Li Guiyu’s expression instantly turned cold as he corrected icily: “Her name is Luo Wanqing.”

Xie Heng didn’t argue with him about Luo Wanqing’s matter—he had no desire to discuss her with Li Guiyu. He only chuckled softly, then flourished his sword, which had been washed clean with wine, pointing it at Li Guiyu.

“Make your decision, Third Prince.”

Xie Heng stared into Li Guiyu’s eyes: “Will you honor His Majesty’s decree, ascend the throne as the new emperor, and have me, this treacherous subject, executed according to His Majesty’s final wish under the Great Xia Legal Code? Or…”

Xie Heng didn’t finish, but Li Guiyu already understood.

Agree to Xie Heng, he ascended as the new emperor to implement the Great Xia Legal Code, making him the first to die under its judgment.

Or refuse Xie Heng, which would mean rejecting the path he offered to become emperor.

Li Zong’s final decree before death—without an edict, there was no more legitimate reason to ascend the throne.

Li Guiyu stared at Xie Heng. After a long while, he said calmly, “I will give you a just death according to the Great Xia Legal Code.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng smiled. He gripped his sword in reverse, knelt on one knee, looked up at Li Guiyu with a smile, and declared loudly: “Criminal subject Xie Heng pays respects to Your Majesty!”

Luo Wanqing led the light cavalry for about five days to reach Huang City. She arrived in the morning and saw Li Shengzhao leading his army into the city that evening.

Hearing news of Li Shengzhao’s arrival, Luo Wanqing quickly brought Fang Zhi and Fang Yuan to meet them outside the city. Standing at the city gates, she saw yellow sand stretching endlessly as three leaders brought tens of thousands of people slowly approaching.

Looking at these returning people, Luo Wanqing felt her eyes welling up for some reason.

Though they were strangers, thinking of the names in the roster from the Xuantian Box made her feel as if she had known these people for a very long time.

When they drew near, the first person Luo Wanqing saw was someone both strange and familiar.

Strange because she had never seen that face before—it resembled Xie Heng somewhat, especially the jawline, but upon closer inspection was completely different from Xie Heng’s.

Xie Heng was coldly beautiful and handsome, while this person looked exceptionally upright and proper.

Familiar because of that incongruous temperament, almost identical to Cui Junye’s.

He led Xing Ling and another young man on horseback, stopping before Luo Wanqing. Seeing her staring at his face, he leaned forward slightly on his horse and smiled: “What, don’t recognize me?”

His voice was different from Cui Junye’s, but Luo Wanqing immediately confirmed from his tone, smiling as she bowed: “Greetings, Your Highness.”

She then turned to Xing Ling with a bright smile: “Xing Ling.”

Xing Ling smiled and nodded gently: “Xiniang.”

“Can’t call her Xiniang anymore!” Fang Yuan laughed upon hearing this address: “Now she’s called Luo Wanqing and is our Supervision Department Director!”

Hearing this, Li Shengzhao waved his hand: “I know, Xing Ling is just used to it. Come,” Li Shengzhao straightened up happily, “let’s enter the city.”

The group entered Huang City.

Luo Wanqing prepared a banquet where everyone rested and drank well. She sat at a table with Li Shengzhao, Xing Ling, and Cui Zixiu alone. Li Shengzhao first raised his cup to Luo Wanqing, introducing everyone: “Come, let me introduce everyone. First, let me formally introduce myself to Director Luo. I’m Li Shengzhao—I was Crown Prince for a while, Lingshu’s cousin. My mother was Empress Cui Lianyi of the Central Palace, sister to his mother Cui Muhua. Later, when I got into trouble and fled the palace, I took the name Cui Heng, courtesy name Junye, and had some connection with Director Luo.”

Luo Wanqing raised her hands in salute: “Greetings, Your Highness.”

“This is his cousin Cui Zixiu, courtesy name Minran.” Li Shengzhao pointed to a young man who looked about twenty-two or twenty-three, then said to the youth: “This is your sister-in-law, Luo Wanqing. She once used the name Liu Xiniang, working under your brother, and now she’s kicked your brother out of the Director position to work independently.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked somewhat embarrassed and hurried to say: “I’m only temporary. In the future, Young Master will surely…”

“Don’t worry, don’t panic,” Li Shengzhao interrupted her explanation: “If you can be Director, he’d be happy. He’s been wanting to avoid morning court for years.”

“Yes,” Cui Zixiu laughed beside them: “He used to hate getting up early most.”

Talking about Xie Heng’s shortcomings, everyone relaxed.

Luo Wanqing told the three everything she knew after returning to the Eastern Capital, while Cui Zixiu also shared their situation.

After Xing Ling found them, Li Shengzhao brought gold to Cui Zixiu’s location. They purchased equipment and military supplies from Persia, then launched a surprise attack on the northern Rong’s rear.

After a brief fight, the northern Rong decided to negotiate. They explained the situation to the northern Rong, and both sides agreed to let them pass.

The northern Rong’s terrain was unlike the Central Plains—mostly desert. As long as they bypassed cities without being attacked, there wouldn’t be street fighting or ambush battles. The important thing about crossing their territory was agreeing they wouldn’t attack from behind and getting supplies from cities along the way.

“The northern Rong emperor recently died, and the eldest prince just ascended—he has no mind for war.”

Cui Zixiu ate peanuts while telling Luo Wanqing, “So when we proposed it, he immediately agreed.”

“Then…” Luo Wanqing listened with some confusion, looking up at Li Shengzhao: “If it went so smoothly, why did Your Highness urgently summon me to bring five thousand troops to meet you?”

“To be honest…” Li Shengzhao didn’t hide anything, saying truthfully: “I indeed thought it unnecessary. It was Lingshu who sent word asking me to urgently summon you with troops to meet me. I thought he’d received some news.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s heart sank with unease.

Li Shengzhao looked up curiously: “Did he say anything to you?”

“No.”

Luo Wanqing kept recalling her last meeting and correspondence with Xie Heng.

He didn’t seem to mention any special information—at most, he seemed more clingy when they parted.

Her heart beat more heavily. Cui Zixiu said, “Then it should be fine. With Brother Heng’s personality, nothing bad will happen.”

“Right.” Li Shengzhao also smiled: “It’d be good if he doesn’t cause trouble for others. If you’re worried, call Zhusi to write him a letter.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt slightly reassured. She’d just received Xie Heng’s letter yesterday—surely nothing was wrong.

Now deep in northern Rong territory, Zhusi’s message delivery took longer—a round trip needed four days. She’d just replied this morning, so she’d have to wait four more days for the next letter.

“Alright,” Xing Ling saw Luo Wanqing distracted and called to her: “Don’t overthink. The Director is fine. You should drink with me first.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked back, remembering she’d promised to drink with Xing Ling in Jirui Palace. Recalling this promise warmed Luo Wanqing’s heart. Thinking Xie Heng should be fine—given their current relationship, he shouldn’t hide anything from her.

Besides, even if she wanted to leave now, with so many people requiring proper rest and arrangements, she couldn’t go.

She’d wait for Xie Heng’s reply to know the result—no need to worry prematurely.

Luo Wanqing settled her mind, stopped overthinking, and the group drank and chatted about various matters before Xing Ling returned to the room with her.

Sleeping together that night, Xing Ling spoke of her situation with Li Shengzhao: “After you released me from the dungeon that day, I went to find His Highness and stayed by his side. Later, when someone was needed for the northern Rong mission, I went. First, my skills and status were suitable, and second…”

Xing Ling pursed her lips: “I also wanted to see if there was any way to treat His Highness in the northern Rong and Kunlun regions.”

Luo Wanqing listened carefully: “Did you find anything?”

“I did.”

Xing Ling smiled: “The small nations around Kunlun have shamans. I searched for a long time and found one. He told me His Highness’s body was already at death’s door—beyond salvation. If he weren’t a top martial artist using inner power to sustain himself, he’d have died long ago. So ordinary medicine couldn’t save him—only one method…”

“What method?”

“Using life to continue life.”

Xing Ling spoke calmly, smiling: “There’s a type of parasitic insect. Once planted, the mother parasite can share half the child parasite’s lifespan.”

Luo Wanqing stared at Xing Ling in amazement. Xing Ling chuckled: “Amazing, right? I found it amazing too, but I had no choice. When His Highness saw me, he could barely hold on. He never told you all—his body had long been failing. Bringing the gold to Kunlun, he couldn’t continue. He said delivering the gold was just wanting to see me once. He’d never been willful in his life and wanted to be willful this one last time.”

Xing Ling’s eyes misted as she smiled: “But fortunately, he came. I had the shaman plant the parasites in both of us—halving my remaining lifespan so he could live as many years as I can.”

“Then…” Luo Wanqing asked curiously: “Does His Highness know?”

“He doesn’t.”

Xing Ling shook her head, smiling: “I only told him I found a shaman. You don’t need to tell him either.”

“I understand.” Luo Wanqing nodded, then asked with concern: “What about the shaman? Can you still find him?”

“No.” Xing Ling shook her head: “He told me people have fated destinies. Meeting him was my fate. But whether we’ll meet again in the future, who knows?”

“Oh…” Luo Wanqing felt disappointed but couldn’t help asking: “What about the parasites? Did he only have that one pair?”

“He said it was the only pair.”

Xing Ling smiled, seeing Luo Wanqing’s hopeful expression and guessing her thoughts: “You want to use them for Young Master?”

“Yes.”

Luo Wanqing felt regretful: “Then I wouldn’t have to worry about him.”

“Why do you always worry about him?” Xing Ling couldn’t understand: “Young Master’s abilities exceed ordinary people—we should just not make him worry about us.”

Luo Wanqing was momentarily speechless.

She didn’t know how to explain, how to tell Xing Ling that Xie Heng’s fate hung like a blade over both their heads, and she constantly feared its fall.

After thinking, she only said: “Perhaps it’ll be better after His Highness ascends the throne.”

“Yes.”

Thinking of the future, Xing Ling said: “When His Highness ascends the throne, everything will be better.”

They talked briefly before feeling drowsy and sleeping together.

Half-asleep, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help asking: “Xing Ling, are you afraid?”

“Of what?”

“Of fate, of the future.”

“Yes.” Xing Ling spoke calmly, saying softly: “But when I think of His Highness, you, and our Supervision Department colleagues, I feel less afraid. Xiniang.”

Her voice carried water-like tranquility: “I’m sorry about Xueling Valley. From now on, let’s be friends—I won’t fail you.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing closed her eyes and suppressed a smile.

Xing Ling opened her eyes, puzzled: “You…”

Before she could finish, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help laughing.

Xing Ling frowned: “What are you laughing at?”

“Xing Ling.”

Luo Wanqing looked at her with a smile: “The way you talk sounds like a wandering rogue trying to deceive young ladies.”

Xing Ling was momentarily at a loss, saying seriously: “I’m being serious.”

“I know.”

Luo Wanqing nodded, opening her eyes to look at the woman before her seriously: “But as a friend, I only hope that whatever happens, you’ll put yourself first.”

Xing Ling remained silent, staring at Luo Wanqing before raising her palm and saying softly: “Having such a friend…”

Luo Wanqing also raised her hand, lightly touching hers: “I am most fortunate.”

They looked at each other for a long while before Xing Ling suddenly said, “Let’s sleep quickly. Leave earlier tomorrow and you can see the Director sooner.”

“What difference does earlier or later make?”

Luo Wanqing felt somewhat embarrassed being called out by Xing Ling.

Xing Ling chuckled knowingly: “You miss him very much, don’t you?”

Luo Wanqing coughed lightly, only saying: “Just average.”

“You miss him terribly, thinking of him day and night.”

“You’re talking about yourself, aren’t you?” Luo Wanqing couldn’t help retorting: “You used to miss His Highness the Crown Prince, so now you suspect me. Tell me!”

Luo Wanqing suddenly became curious: “Have you thought about having… babies with His Highness?”

“Liu Xiniang!” Xing Ling suddenly sat up, her face reddening from the question.

Seeing her embarrassment, Luo Wanqing quickly said: “I’m thinking of your health—let me examine you first… Hey! Don’t hit me with the pillow!”

They played for a long while before finally falling asleep.

In her dreams, Luo Wanqing felt she saw Xie Heng.

She was back before that notice in Lingnan’s sixth month, still unable to see its contents clearly, when she heard a voice behind her: “Xiniang.”

She turned joyfully to see Xie Heng standing behind her.

He wore a dark blue cotton hemp robe with wide sleeves, a red rope at his waist, smiling at her gently: “I missed you.”

When Luo Wanqing woke the next day, she felt an inexplicable longing.

She suddenly missed him, terribly so.

This urgent feeling made her immediately rise, then organize everyone with Li Shengzhao to leave the city as quickly as possible.

The return journey with many people took nearly seven days. The night before reaching Si Province’s border, Li Shengzhao had everyone make camp to rest, and only then did Luo Wanqing receive news from Zhusi.

The letter bore Xie Heng’s handwriting: “Follow Qingya’s arrangements in everything. Xiniang, heaven let me meet you—I am content and joyful.”

Reading this line, Luo Wanqing felt uneasy.

She immediately took paper and brush to write Xie Heng: “I have returned home. Where are you?”

Just as she finished writing, Xing Ling lifted her tent flap urgently: “Xiniang, Qingya has come. Go over for a moment.”

Luo Wanqing frowned with growing unease, put down her brush, and followed Xing Ling to the main tent, finding it full of people.

Li Shengzhao sat at the head while Qingya sat with Zhuque, Xuanshan, and Elder Zhong on one side, Cui Zixiu opposite them.

Luo Wanqing entered and first saluted Li Shengzhao, then Qingya led Zhuque and Xuanshan in bowing to her: “Greetings, Madam.”

“Xuanshan came too?”

Luo Wanqing pondered—when they left the Eastern Capital, they’d taken most of the Supervision Department’s agents, leaving fewer than a hundred with Xuanshan to handle final affairs. Xuanshan’s presence here meant the Supervision Department could no longer stay in the Eastern Capital.

Hearing her question, Xuanshan didn’t answer directly, only saying: “Qingya will explain everything together.”

“There’s not much to say.”

Qingya smiled, standing up and speaking calmly: “Three days ago, Zhuque brought people to me with Young Master’s verbal order.”

He looked up at Li Shengzhao, then bowed deeply: “Young Master was instigated by Li Guiyu to commit regicide and plans to assassinate Minister Wang Shenfeng and others in the Eastern Capital. Please restore your identity, Your Highness, quickly raise troops, march on the Eastern Capital, eliminate the traitors, and restore proper order!”

Everyone’s eyes widened at these words.

Luo Wanqing felt thunder crashing in her ears, instantly returning to that dream, back before the notice.

Red words from the notice pierced her vision one by one:

Assassinating the Crown Prince.

Framing the Eastern Palace Six Rates.

Massacring five hundred at Xueling Mountain.

Assassinating Minister of Justice Zheng Pingsheng.

Abusing military power, bringing chaos to Si Province.

Murdering the entire Zheng family.

Executing ministers in the hall.

Regicide.

The last two charges suddenly became extraordinarily clear. She stood before the notice, staring intently.

“I heard he even killed the former emperor.”

“Daring to kill the emperor? Doesn’t he want his head?”

“That’s why it’s death by a thousand cuts.”

Someone’s voice arose, discussing: “If he hadn’t killed the emperor, could he have gotten this far?”

“Xiniang, heaven let me meet you—I am content and joyful.”

The recent letter’s contents suddenly pierced her mind. Luo Wanqing instantly understood.

He did it deliberately.

He deliberately sent her away to commit regicide, to fulfill everything in his destiny.

“Did he…” Luo Wanqing barely dared ask, forcing herself to inquire amid everyone’s shock, speaking in fragments: “Did he… succeed? Wang Shenfeng…”

“He succeeded.” Xuanshan spoke calmly: “News from Supervision Department agents remaining in the Eastern Capital via messenger birds—two days ago, the former emperor’s body returned to the Eastern Capital. Young Master appeared in the great hall, announced the former emperor’s decree appointing Li Guiyu as emperor while restarting the Great Xia Legal Code, then single-handedly battled two grandmasters Yang Chun and Wang Qingfeng, killing Wang Qingfeng, Wang Shenfeng, Sun Zhengli, Sun Shu, Wang Lang, and others.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing staggered. Xing Ling steadied her as she said incredulously: “How… how could he do it? How could he kill so many ministers under so many people’s hands?!”

She couldn’t help but hope: “Could the news be wrong? Could it be…”

“Yuanli Pills.”

Zhuque spoke hesitantly, uneasily: “Young Master… had me prepare a bottle of Yuanli Pills.”

Yuanli Pills were made from extremely precious materials, enabling massive inner power increases in short periods but damaging meridians. A whole bottle…

Even Xie Heng couldn’t withstand the aftermath—even if he didn’t die, he’d be crippled.

Understanding the full story, Luo Wanqing controlled her inner panic, only asking: “What about now? Is he alive or…”

“Alive.” Qingya knew what she was asking and said calmly: “He’s currently imprisoned in the Eastern Capital. Li Guiyu might be keeping him for other purposes.”

“That’s good.”

Luo Wanqing suppressed her emotions, nodding: “As long as he’s alive. Then we’ll rescue him.”

Hearing this, Qingya paused, and Xuanshan looked up.

Luo Wanqing remained oblivious to everyone’s gazes, only murmuring: “Sending troops will take too long—I’ll go rescue him now… I’ll go immediately…”

“Madam!”

Qingya called out, stopping Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing paused, looking up to see Qingya approach respectfully: “You must stay with the army now.”

“What do you mean?” Luo Wanqing didn’t understand, then hurried to say: “I have the best martial arts here—if I don’t go save him…”

“You can’t save him,” Qingya stated definitively.

Luo Wanqing remained silent, watching Qingya as he analyzed: “Li Guiyu is keeping Young Master as bait. He’s heavily guarded now. As long as Young Master is useful, he’ll stay alive. But now,” Qingya emphasized firmly, “His Highness needs you more—we all need you more.”

Luo Wanqing listened, gradually calming down.

She understood why Qingya said they needed her more.

Because she had led this army through battles, though not for long, these campaigns made her the most influential voice in military matters.

Qingya didn’t care about Xie Heng but about the big picture, whether Li Shengzhao could secure his position, whether…

Their goals could be achieved.

Luo Wanqing had never felt so cold in her bones. She looked at the composed Qingya, glanced at the bewildered Zhuque, the frowning Xuanshan, then looked up at Li Shengzhao on high.

Li Shengzhao seemed to be pondering without speaking. Luo Wanqing stared at him, unconsciously clenching her fists: “Your Highness.”

Her voice was hoarse: “What do you think?”

Li Shengzhao unconsciously stroked the paperweight on his table, apparently thinking. Luo Wanqing gripped Xiling tightly, watching Li Shengzhao look up and say firmly, “Let’s raise troops.”

“Your High—”

“Elder Zhong can restore my appearance tonight and send for my teacher, Master Yunshan, to verify my identity. General Luo will organize the army tonight—we march tomorrow, first taking Si Province, then straight to the Eastern Capital.”

“Your High—” Qingya began urgently.

Li Shengzhao seemed to already know what he would say, interrupting: “Uncle Xie is in the Eastern Capital now—he’ll find ways to protect Lingshu while Supervision Department agents gather intelligence and seek opportunities. Our task is to take the Eastern Capital as quickly as possible. No one can clear Lingshu of these charges, but I can have him executed in name, then let him live under a new identity.”

Li Shengzhao spoke coldly as the stone in Luo Wanqing’s heart suddenly dropped.

She didn’t know what she’d been fearing until Li Shengzhao said this—only then did she completely relax.

Li Shengzhao looked at her seriously: “As long as he holds on and stays alive, I will save him.”

“Thank you, Your Highness! I’ll prepare the army immediately.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing suddenly felt her eyes welling up. She bowed and withdrew. Only after leaving the tent did she allow herself to tremble slightly.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself not to overthink.

There was still hope.

Xie Heng was alive—everything could be saved.

Luo Wanqing turned around, calling Fang Zhi and Fang Yuan waiting outside.

“Are the Supervision Department’s agents still there?”

Luo Wanqing asked quickly. Fang Zhi nodded: “Yes.”

“Have them investigate Eastern Capital news—Young Master’s safety is priority, send word immediately.”

“Understood.”

Fang Zhi left to handle this. Luo Wanqing led Fang Yuan toward the weapons camp, saying coldly: “Count weapons and supplies—prepare for battle returning to Si Province.”

On the eighteenth day of the fifth month in the fifteenth year of Changshun, former Crown Prince Li Shengzhao suddenly appeared at the border and raised troops, marching eastward under the banner of eliminating traitors and avenging the former emperor.

This news reached the Eastern Capital on the twenty-first of the fifth month—the day of Li Guiyu’s coronation ceremony.

While leading ministers in ancestral temple sacrifices, he heard commotion behind but didn’t turn back, calmly completing all rituals. Only when he turned did he see distant beacon fires burning.

Returning to the palace, he immediately received a summons from Wang Lianyang.

Qingzhu spoke quietly: “Your Majesty, news from Si Province—Li Shengzhao has raised troops.”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu stopped walking, turning back incredulously: “Who did you say?”

“Former Crown Prince Li Shengzhao.”

Qingzhu spoke as Li Guiyu slowly smiled: “Li Shengzhao?”

“Yes.” Qingzhu said quietly: “I’ve gathered all intelligence—we’ll definitely discover the details tonight.”

“Mm.” Li Guiyu responded, walking inside with hands tucked in sleeves, only asking: “Who gave him troops for this uprising?”

“It’s the Lady.”

Qingzhu answered, using Luo Wanqing’s current title in Li Guiyu’s presence.

Cold flashed in Li Guiyu’s eyes as he smiled mockingly: “She always favors outsiders.”

The palace gates opened ahead. Li Guiyu entered to see Wang Lianyang and Wang Yunzhi sitting inside.

Wang Lianyang appeared somewhat ill, looking quite haggard. She looked up at the young man in imperial robes with twelve-tasseled crown and black garments, saying wearily: “Li Shengzhao is still alive—do you know?”

“I know now.” Li Guiyu answered calmly.

Wang Lianyang smiled: “He’s coming to the Eastern Capital under the banner of eliminating traitors and avenging the former emperor—do you know?”

“I know.”

“Now all stationed troops won’t move, noble families don’t care—everyone’s waiting to see our joke,” Wang Lianyang stared at Li Guiyu. “What do you plan?”

“What to do?” Li Guiyu smiled: “Those watching the excitement now only doubt whether I’m the murderer—they fear Xie Heng acted on my orders, under my control. If I can wear this hat, can’t Li Shengzhao?”

“What do you mean?”

Wang Lianyang frowned as Li Guiyu looked at her with a smile.

“Doesn’t Xie Heng want a trial under the Great Xia Legal Code? Then let’s try him.”

Wang Yunzhi and Wang Lianyang didn’t understand, watching Li Guiyu sit in a nearby chair and pour tea: “Execute him according to law—public execution by slow slicing to demonstrate my innocence. Also, let the world and I see together whether that former Crown Prince Li Shengzhao comes to avenge the former emperor or save the regicidal subject.”

“You want to use Xie Heng to bait Li Shengzhao?”

Wang Yunzhi immediately understood, then frowned: “How could he be so stupid?”

“He might not come, but one person definitely will. That army fought alongside her through life and death—she’s the army’s real decision-maker. As long as she wants,” Li Guiyu lifted his teacup with cold eyes, “the army will come, and Li Shengzhao will have no choice but to follow.”