◎Xiniang Seems Very Accustomed to Having Someone Always by Her Side◎

Hearing this name, Luo Wanqing took quite a while to react, and couldn’t help but smile: “So it’s you.”

His voice was almost identical to Qin Jue’s, but that tone filled with laughter was something Qin Jue could never possess.

Just hearing this voice, Luo Wanqing knew this was that “fake” Qin Jue who had traveled with her from Yangzhou and reshaped her bones.

She hadn’t expected he would become her Shadow Envoy?

His name was Cui Heng?

Luo Wanqing’s surprise concealed joy. The person opposite raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion: “Oh, who am I?”

“You…”

“Miss Liu.”

Before this young man, calling himself Cui Heng, could finish speaking, another voice came from the corridor. Luo Wanqing and Cui Heng both looked up to see Qin Jue standing in the corridor, looking seriously at Luo Wanqing.

His complexion wasn’t good, obviously still carrying injuries. By rights, he should still be recuperating well, yet he had rushed over early, standing at the door, clearly having urgent matters to discuss.

Besides Zhang Jiuran, what else could she and Qin Jue have to discuss?

With a thought, Luo Wanqing understood Qin Jue’s purpose. She turned to look at the waiting Cui Heng beside her, speaking with some apology: “Young Master Cui, please wait a moment. Let me speak with Young Master Qin first.”

Hearing this, Cui Heng tilted his head, blinking as he asked: “I came first, yet you want to invite him in first?”

“His matter is more important.”

Knowing he was displeased, Luo Wanqing smiled and explained, then looked up at Qin Jue, saying softly: “Young Master Qin, please.”

Qin Jue said nothing more, brushing past Cui Heng, nodding in thanks before entering the room.

Luo Wanqing looked up at Cui Heng, who seemed still confused, seeing he stood at the door with no intention of leaving. She quickly consoled: “Go stroll around the courtyard first. We have plenty of time ahead.”

Hearing the phrase “plenty of time ahead,” Cui Heng seemed satisfied, nodding: “True, then…”

Before Cui Heng could finish speaking, Luo Wanqing directly closed the door.

Cui Heng seemed to freeze at the door for a moment, then made a “tsk” sound, saying coldly: “Fine, he’s important.”

With that, he walked away.

Luo Wanqing found it somewhat amusing, but knowing he was always fond of joking, she paid no mind.

Anyway, he couldn’t say anything important now, but Qin Jue had rushed over despite his injuries—the matter must involve Zhang Jiuran, which was currently her most pressing concern.

Thinking this, Luo Wanqing turned around, inviting Qin Jue to sit. Qin Jue coughed lightly in thanks. Luo Wanqing glanced at him, considering: “How were you yesterday?”

“Thanks to Miss’s blessing,” Qin Jue turned toward Luo Wanqing, bowing while seated, “yesterday I preserved my life and suffered no serious harm.”

“That’s good.” Luo Wanqing nodded, pouring tea for Qin Jue while thinking: “You didn’t rest to heal your wounds but rushed over urgently—what do you want to do?”

“Miss,” Qin Jue pressed his lips together, finally saying: “Miss knows where Zhang Jiuran is, don’t you?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing immediately knew Qin Jue was trying to trick her.

Though her conversations with Qin Jue had been inconsistent, she had always insisted she’d only met Zhang Jiuran a few times and bid farewell to her, never revealing information that could make Qin Jue certain she knew Zhang Jiuran’s whereabouts.

After all, Qin Jue harbored resentment toward Zhang Jiuran. Though Zhang Jiuran wanted to preserve Qin Jue’s life, Luo Wanqing still wasn’t at ease with him. She only said: “I don’t know.”

“I know Miss is wary of me, but I only want to ask—is it true that she wants to leave Fengyu Pavilion?”

Qin Jue stared at Luo Wanqing. She hesitated briefly, then told the truth: “Yes.”

“Then how did she handle the parasitic worm in her body?”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak. This was precisely her most pressing concern. She could not remove Zhang Jiuran’s parasite, but without removing it, even bringing Zhang Jiuran back now wouldn’t save her.

She thought carefully, knowing Qin Jue wouldn’t ask these questions without reason. Lowering her head to hand Qin Jue water, she said softly: “Why do you ask this?”

“If she’s determined to leave Fengyu Pavilion…” Qin Jue looked at the water cup in Luo Wanqing’s hand, speaking with particular difficulty: “I can spare her from death.”

Hearing Qin Jue’s words, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but look up at him.

She knew how difficult this statement was for Qin Jue.

Regardless of Zhang Jiuran’s circumstances or how miserably she had lived, to Qin Jue, Zhang Jiuran was no different from Jiang Shaoyan in her eyes.

She cared for Zhang Jiuran because of Zhang Jiuran’s kindness to her.

But Qin Jue’s resentment toward Zhang Jiuran was equally justified.

“She caused your family’s death.”

Luo Wanqing reminded him. Qin Jue’s movements stiffened slightly. He gritted his teeth: “Yes, I know. I will never forgive her in this lifetime! But if she dies, that would be letting her off easy. Better to live,” Qin Jue looked somewhat uncomfortable, turning his head away, saying hoarsely: “to do good deeds and accumulate virtue in the future, to atone for her sins.”

Hearing his words, Luo Wanqing thought for a long time before speaking: “Qin Jue, do you know why she wants to leave Fengyu Pavilion?”

“Too much killing, turning back from the precipice.” Qin Jue said quietly: “She never liked killing people anyway.”

“She doesn’t like killing, but someone killed her father back then. With nowhere to go, she was brought into Fengyu Pavilion by her master Xiang Sizi,” Luo Wanqing gently recounted what Qin Jue knew. “To repay kindness and seek revenge, she always obeyed Xiang Sizi, doing many things against her conscience. She told me she had countless regrets in life, most regretting one person. You should know who she regrets.”

“Regret,” Qin Jue laughed mockingly, “yet she still did it, didn’t she?”

“Yes,” Luo Wanqing nodded, “so she originally planned to kill Xie Heng for revenge one last time, then go to the northwest to end her life. But just as she prepared to assassinate Xie Heng, she suddenly discovered that the broken blade she had taken from her father’s belly wasn’t a specially made Xie family clan blade.”

Hearing this, Qin Jue was stunned. He looked up in shock as Luo Wanqing said calmly: “It was Empress Wang’s clan blade. Her master Xiang Sizi comes from the Wang clan’s death warriors.”

“What are you saying?” Qin Jue suddenly stood up, trembling: “Her master…”

“Is her true enemy.”

Luo Wanqing told him calmly.

Qin Jue stared at Luo Wanqing blankly. He didn’t dare think deeply about Zhang Jiuran’s situation. He clenched his fists, and after a long while, only said: “She knew, then what?”

“Her master holds her family hostage. She couldn’t continue on this path either. She doesn’t like killing, and she didn’t want to harm you…”

“I know!” Qin Jue interrupted her, staring at Luo Wanqing, only asking: “You don’t need to tell me these things. I’m asking where she is.”

“What do you plan to do when you find her?” Luo Wanqing looked at him, pressing him: “With family vengeance above, what do you plan to do when you see her?”

Qin Jue couldn’t speak. He looked at Luo Wanqing, and after a long time, said tremblingly: “I will never forgive her in this lifetime.”

“Then…”

“But I hope she lives, even if it’s to atone for her sins.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing knew the answer.

She lowered her head, saying softly: “Did you go to Huguo Temple a few days ago?”

Qin Jue was slightly stunned, then remembered, slowly saying: “Yes… I have an uncle at Huguo Temple. After coming to the Eastern Capital… I requested mercy from Director Xie to visit…”

“At Huguo Temple’s entrance, you gave a beggar two copper coins.”

Hearing this, Qin Jue looked up incredulously, remembering that person.

That person was collapsed on the ground like a puddle of mud in the world. Tears fell from his eyes as Luo Wanqing said quietly: “It was her.”

Qin Jue wanted to laugh.

The words “retribution” were on his lips, but he could never say them.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and turned to leave.

Luo Wanqing called after him: “I’ve already settled her. She’s lost her internal energy, her appearance is ruined, her meridians are completely severed, her bones are shattered, the parasitic worm has been active for three months, she’s lost all five senses, and her life won’t last long. If you have no way to save her, I won’t let you see her.”

“I have a way to extend her life.” Qin Jue immediately said, “Give her to me. I’ll care for her first, then find Xiang Sizi. He has the mother parasite.”

Those infected with parasitic worms carry child parasites in their bodies. When the mother parasite dies, the child parasites perish. The simplest method of removing parasites is to kill the mother parasite.

This was currently the only way to save Zhang Jiuran.

And Qin Jue was currently the only person Luo Wanqing could entrust Zhang Jiuran to.

She had no way to save her or extend her life. If Qin Jue wanted revenge, he needed to do nothing—that would already be revenge.

But he still wanted to help. Looking at his expression, he was certainly going to save her.

After thinking briefly, Luo Wanqing made her decision, saying quietly: “I’ll find the mother parasite. You bring Jiuran back and take good care of her. It’s inconvenient for me to appear there. Don’t tell anyone I’m connected to her.”

“Alright. I’ll say she’s my relative and bring her back to hide in the Supervision Department.” Qin Jue agreed immediately, standing up: “Where is she?”

Luo Wanqing told him the medical clinic’s location. Qin Jue didn’t linger, immediately heading out.

After two steps, Qin Jue suddenly returned, looking at her hesitantly: “Do you… Do you have money?”

Luo Wanqing was stunned, looking up at Qin Jue’s somewhat embarrassed expression. Qin Jue stuttered an explanation: “I… I’m currently with the Supervision Department. Food, clothing, and necessities are all provided by them. It wouldn’t be good to ask for more…”

Luo Wanqing understood Qin Jue’s meaning.

He had no money. Saving Zhang Jiuran would require asking the Supervision Department for funds. They had already helped him considerably, and he was too embarrassed to ask again.

“You’re too embarrassed to ask the Supervision Department for money, but you’re comfortable asking me?”

Luo Wanqing was at a loss for words.

Qin Jue’s face also showed embarrassment, only saying: “I will certainly repay you in the future.”

Luo Wanqing took a deep breath and thought. She remembered that during their journey to the Eastern Capital, Cui Heng had produced a bag of gold pearls, so he should have money.

She immediately said, “Wait a moment.”

With that, she walked to the window, looked up, and saw Cui Heng carrying a food box, strolling through the courtyard.

She turned to gather the medicinal materials from last night, held them, and leaped down from the window, landing before Cui Heng.

Seeing her come down, Cui Heng smiled and looked up, carrying the food box: “Inspector Liu, I thought you probably hadn’t eaten yet, so I bought some breakfast.”

“Cui Heng, could I trouble you with something?”

Luo Wanqing spoke. Cui Heng smiled and nodded: “I’m your Shadow Envoy. Whatever Inspector Liu needs, I’ll naturally handle.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt much relieved, immediately handing the medicinal materials to Cui Heng.

Cui Heng looked puzzled: “Hmm?”

“Take these medicinal materials to a pharmacy or pawn shop—you could sell them for at least two hundred taels. Could you lend me some money? I’ll sell the materials later to pay you back.”

Luo Wanqing asked seriously. The young man before her showed some surprise, only saying: “There’s actually this way to make money?”

“It’s all the Supervision Department’s money,” Luo Wanqing lowered her voice, “I just arrived, so doing this isn’t good. Don’t let others know.”

Cui Heng looked at her, his expression full of helplessness. Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but blush, instinctively reaching for the materials: “Maybe I’ll just sell them myself…”

“These materials won’t sell for much.”

Cui Heng sighed, taking a bag of gold pearls from his waist and handing it to Luo Wanqing: “You’re an Inspector. If you want money, I’ll report the expenses for you.”

Luo Wanqing looked at the gold pearls, her eyes widening. She asked in surprise: “You can report expenses even without missions?”

“You can.” Cui Heng nodded.

Luo Wanqing still couldn’t quite understand. Was the Supervision Department really this wealthy?

She confirmed repeatedly: “A whole bag of gold pearls too?”

“You can.” Cui Heng continued nodding.

“But Zhuque Envoy said my monthly salary is only twenty taels.” Luo Wanqing’s gaze fell on the gold pearls, frowning: “My rank has such low monthly pay—can I use this much money?”

“It’s all the Supervision Department’s money,” Cui Heng repeated Luo Wanqing’s earlier words, placing the gold pearls in her palm casually: “There are always ways.”

Luo Wanqing understood this. It was unlikely that every Inspector got a bag of gold pearls—no government office was that wealthy. But Cui Heng looked like a veteran who had spent considerable time in the Supervision Department, with an extraordinary identity. He should know methods similar to reselling medicinal materials.

This was Cui Heng opening backdoor channels for her.

She felt somewhat embarrassed, but she really was short of money now. She didn’t refuse, taking the gold pearls and medicinal materials, saying seriously: “I’ll repay you by reselling materials in the future.”

Cui Heng paused, seeming to want to say something. Before he could speak, Luo Wanqing grabbed the gold pearl bag, touched her toes to the ground, returned upstairs, grabbed a handful of gold pearls to put in her purse, then handed the gold pearl bag to Qin Jue, saying seriously: “Take these first. No need to repay.”

Qin Jue received the money bag, bowed, only saying: “I will certainly repay you another day.”

With that, Qin Jue took the money bag and turned around. Luo Wanqing saw Qin Jue off downstairs and saw Cui Heng still waiting by the door. Seeing Qin Jue emerge, Cui Heng wanted to greet him, but he only opened his mouth to say “Qin…” before his voice stopped abruptly.

Luo Wanqing followed his gaze and saw him staring at the gold pearl bag in Qin Jue’s hand. For some reason, she felt guilty and didn’t dare speak.

Cui Heng stared meaningfully at the money bag in Qin Jue’s hand. Qin Jue, preoccupied with Zhang Jiuran, didn’t notice. He hurriedly bowed and left.

After Qin Jue walked away, Cui Heng looked toward Luo Wanqing. His expression showed no emotion, but he smiled: “So it was requested for Young Master Qin?”

“He has some matters.” Luo Wanqing told the truth, hesitating: “I lent it to him.”

“Inspector Liu’s chivalrous heart and generous spirit are truly admirable.”

Cui Heng nodded, seemingly praising her.

Luo Wanqing felt somewhat guilty. She remembered their interrupted conversation and, after hesitating, said softly: “Let’s go upstairs first.”

Cui Heng nodded in agreement, following her upstairs.

As Luo Wanqing walked, she thought about Cui Heng’s mask, her eyes slightly lowered, rarely feeling curious in her life.

Cui Heng’s jawline…

She frowned slightly, completely unaware of the gaze from behind.

Cui Heng followed her for a few steps, smiling: “Inspector Liu walks without looking back even once—quite trusting of what’s behind you.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t respond. The two went upstairs one after the other and entered the room. Cui Heng held the food box with one hand and closed the door with the other. In that moment, Luo Wanqing suddenly struck!

Luo Wanqing moved extremely fast. Cui Heng was somewhat surprised but immediately reacted, protecting the food box with one hand while intercepting Luo Wanqing’s hand with the other.

In the small space, they quickly exchanged several moves with their wrists touching.

Luo Wanqing’s expression turned stern. She pressed against Cui Heng’s hand and slammed him hard against the door, her hand pressing against his neck through his hand, forcing his entire body against the door.

They faced off, Luo Wanqing staring at his face. Cui Heng noticed her gaze and chuckled: “What is Inspector Liu doing?” Then he softened his voice, as if negotiating: “There’s porridge in the food box. It wouldn’t be good if it spilled.”

“Stop pretending. Qin Jue told me everything. I know you were the one who accompanied me to the Eastern Capital.”

Luo Wanqing pressed her lips together, speaking while stroking Cui Heng’s jawline, trying to confirm whether he was wearing a human skin mask.

Cui Heng understood her intention, tilting his head slightly, making a soft “tsk” sound, exposing more of his neck, letting her touch from his neck to his jawline and then to his face.

Her skin was very tender, having developed some calluses recently. When touching someone, it brought a tingling sensation.

Cui Heng paused, his eyes deepening. He couldn’t help but look down at her, his gaze falling on Luo Wanqing’s scarred face, finding it somewhat strange.

So sometimes, some things weren’t entirely about looks.

He quietly observed Luo Wanqing. She was completely unaware of his gaze, carefully stroking his jawline while feigning reproach: “We’re all colleagues—why are you still wearing a mask? Is there something unspeakable, or do you not want to see me?”

As she spoke, she felt somewhat guilty, her heartbeat quickening, speaking without thinking: “You’re wearing a mask, and your name is probably fake too. This name is too conspicuous in the Supervision Department. Cui is Director Xie’s maternal surname, and Heng is Director Xie’s given name. You chose a name so similar to his, and your jawline…”

As Luo Wanqing spoke, she paused. Her hand stopped at the mask’s clasp—just a light press would remove this golden mask.

But at this moment, she suddenly became aware of something, looking up.

Looking up, she met a pair of smiling eyes. His eye color was very deep, gazing at her, only asking: “What about my jawline?”

He was extremely tall, a full head taller than her. At this moment, he tilted his head slightly like a crane raising its neck, with elegant and beautiful lines.

Luo Wanqing looked at the half-face exposed below the mask, remaining silent.

Below the mask was lips like cherry blossoms, jade-like skin, nearly perfect jawline—extremely similar to the Xie Heng she had seen last night.

But so what?

Who was the person before her? Why was he masked? What did it have to do with him?

What was she suspecting?

Suspecting the person before her was Xie Heng?

But why would Xie Heng do this? She had already entered the Supervision Department. If Xie Heng suspected her, he could directly arrest and interrogate her. Why would he lower himself to deceive her like this?

Even if there were reasons, Xie Heng’s temperament was cold and distant, while the person before her was radiant as the morning sun. Could people’s temperaments differ so drastically?

Moreover, if this was Xie Heng, taking the name “Cui Heng”—wouldn’t he feel any guilt?

Luo Wanqing stopped moving and thought quietly, but the other person seemed to understand her intention.

He leaned slightly closer, saying softly: “Want to see?”

Luo Wanqing looked up at him, seeing obvious amusement on his face, as if tempting: “Does Xiniang want to see?”

Hearing “Xiniang,” Luo Wanqing suddenly came to her senses.

She suddenly remembered that she had no right to ask.

After all, she was also hiding things from him. Why must she get to the bottom of others?

Whether his face was real or fake, his name true or false, it didn’t matter much.

She had said “I won’t ask you, you won’t ask me.” Between them, their actual identities didn’t really matter.

Thinking this, Luo Wanqing’s hand relaxed slightly as she said quietly: “Sorry, I was presumptuous.”

Cui Heng smiled, watching her withdraw her hand without much concern. He straightened his clothes and walked to the table carrying the food box, taking dishes out of it.

Seeing the porridge was still intact, he was quite pleased, sighing: “Good thing the porridge is still here.”

With that, Cui Heng placed the porridge on the table. He thought for a moment, turning back to look at the woman standing aside, somewhat puzzled: “Why did you suddenly want to see my face?”

Luo Wanqing was stunned. Previously, she didn’t seem to have much interest.

Throughout their journey, they seemed to have developed an unspoken understanding of not prying too much.

Why did she want to see?

Luo Wanqing stood thinking, hesitating: “Perhaps… because I find it difficult to find you?”

Cui Heng didn’t understand. Luo Wanqing looked up at him seriously: “I haven’t seen your face or known your real name. If you don’t come, find me, I can’t find you. Honestly,” Luo Wanqing thought carefully, somewhat embarrassed, softening her voice: “Last night I wanted to see you.”

Hearing this, Cui Heng paused.

Like something gently brushed his heart, tickling cutely.

He laughed softly, understanding somewhat, nodding: “It’s my fault.”

“Not really…”

“But it won’t be like this in the future.”

Cui Heng spoke, standing up and walking to Luo Wanqing.

He handed her a specially made short flute from his sleeve. Luo Wanqing looked puzzled: “What is this?”

“I am your shadow. Until we’re reassigned, you and I should be inseparable.”

Cui Heng looked up at her, explaining: “This short flute has a special sound that can carry fifteen li. Ordinary people can’t hear it, but I can. If we’re occasionally separated, call me and I’ll return.”

Luo Wanqing’s gaze fell on the short flute as she reached out to take it.

Cui Heng watched her take the flute, his gaze flickering as he continued: “Besides this, if you ask anyone in the Supervision Department about Cui Guanlan, they’ll help you find me. However, if you can’t find me, others probably can’t either.”

“I understand.”

Luo Wanqing smiled lightly, looking up: “Then your appearance and name don’t matter anymore.”

Cui Heng said nothing. He thought carefully, then said slowly: “Cui is a surname of traitors, Guanlan is my name.”

Luo Wanqing looked puzzled. Cui Heng said calmly, “The name Cui Guanlan is real.”

Surname of traitors…

Cui was Xie Heng’s maternal clan.

Luo Wanqing vaguely understood. Perhaps the person before her was from the Cui clan. His identity was indeed sensitive, and he had his reasons for concealing his appearance. Moreover, as cousins, resembling Xie Heng would be normal.

She nodded, not wanting to ask more.

Seeing her relax, Cui Heng turned to arrange chopsticks, saying gently: “Please eat, Inspector.”

Luo Wanqing responded and walked over to sit down. Looking at the Jiangnan breakfast on the table, she wasn’t surprised. Cui Heng served her dishes and poured tea. Luo Wanqing naturally accepted the chopsticks he gave her, smoothly accepting all his service.

Cui Heng observed her while brewing fresh tea, smiling: “Xiniang seems accustomed to this kind of life?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t understand, looking up in confusion.

Cui Heng pondered: “Generally, people need time to adjust when they first have a Shadow Envoy, but Xiniang seems very accustomed to having someone always by her side?”

Luo Wanqing paused as a figure pierced her mind like a needle.

She suddenly realized that everything Cui Heng was doing now had been done by that person thousands of times.

Cui Heng stared at her, smiling, his voice very light but perceptive: “There was someone?”

Luo Wanqing gripped her chopsticks, suddenly unable to eat. She looked at the breakfast before her, at the chopsticks in her hand. Only then did she realize that chopsticks don’t reach hands by themselves, and dishes don’t turn into her favorite plate automatically.

She sat there, hesitating for a long time before saying softly, “An old friend.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater 1]

Xie Heng: “I am Daoist in public, angler in private. Perfect husband, Xiniang, love me.”

Luo Wanqing: “…A bit embarrassing. Change outfits—this one’s too flashy.”

[Mini Theater 2]

Jiang Shaoyan: “Miss, I’ve resigned, but please don’t hire other staff to replace me.”

Luo Wanqing: “About this…”

Xie Heng: “Xiniang, I’m seeking high-paying employment, bringing my salary. How about a bag of gold pearls daily?”

Luo Wanqing: “It’s not that I wanted to hire someone, but he offered too much.”

[Mini Theater 3]

Luo Wanqing: “Zhuque, the Supervision Department has great benefits. I can report expenses even without missions.”

Zhuque: “What?!”

Luo Wanqing: “And report bags and bags of gold pearls.”

Zhuque: “What what?!!”

Luo Wanqing: “My Shadow Envoy says he has connections. Want to chat with him?”

Zhuque: “Director, Inspector Liu says she has connections for making money and wants me to chat with you.”

Xie Heng: “Mm, there are connections. I am the connection.”

Zhuque: “???”

Xie Heng: “I said she can. Are you her? Wake up!”