◎That is Jiang Shaoyan’s Position◎

The two exchanged pleasantries, and Zheng Biyue calmed down, walked back to stand beside Li Guiyu, and said something to him.

Li Guiyu glanced at Luo Wanqing once, then looked away.

He knew what Zheng Biyue was afraid of.

This person looked too similar.

Even that smile just now was exactly like Luo Wanqing’s.

But since she was originally a carefully cultivated fake, no matter how similar she was, it wasn’t surprising.

His young lady couldn’t possibly appear here, much less have such martial arts skills and those blade-sharp eyes.

Earlier, it was just to lure Xie Heng to Fangfei Pavilion and put on an act with her, pretending to care about this fake.

But the young lady would always be the young lady, and a fake would always be a fake.

Counterfeits had no meaning except death.

Li Guiyu felt murderous intent rising in his heart. He touched the jade thumb ring on his hand, his expression unchanged.

Luo Wanqing observed the two from afar, confirmed their identities, and was too lazy to give them another glance. She looked around.

Beside the two stood a middle-aged man who occasionally spoke with Zheng Biyue—he should be Zheng Biyue’s father, Minister of Justice Zheng Pingsheng.

Besides him, there was also a purple-robed eunuch. Luo Wanqing felt she had vaguely seen him last night. Since he was standing here, he should be Grand Supervisor Yang Chun from the Central Imperial Office, who had been ordered to search last night.

Luo Wanqing sorted through the people present, then heard the summons from within the imperial study. Led by a eunuch, she entered the inner hall, lowered her head, and kowtowed respectfully: “This subordinate Liu Xiniang greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand years!”

“Rise.” A middle-aged man’s kind voice came: “You’re injured. Heng’er told me about it. You distinguished yourself protecting the Crown Prince last night. Take a seat.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing didn’t dare raise her head. Helped by palace maids to rise, she sat on a chair with a soft cushion.

Emperor Li Zong couldn’t help but smile seeing this, turning to look at Xie Heng sitting beside him: “Your Supervision Department finally has someone with proper manners.”

Xie Heng glanced at Luo Wanqing, who sat with perfect posture in the manner of an ordinary, well-bred lady, only touching the edge of the chair and sitting perfectly straight. Such propriety was rare in the martial world.

Xie Heng smiled gently and replied: “She’s rather timid.”

Hearing this, Li Zong waved his hand and laughed, then glanced at the documents on the table: “Where in your Supervision Department are there timid people? Moreover, isn’t this a salt dealer on death row?”

Luo Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat, but Li Zong didn’t pursue the matter further and said directly: “Tell me what happened last night.”

Li Zong spoke very gently, not at all like an emperor. Luo Wanqing followed Xie Heng’s instructions. He occasionally asked a question or two. After she finished, he fell into contemplation and said softly: “So… you don’t know who attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince?”

“This subordinate doesn’t know.”

Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes, not understanding why Li Zong completely didn’t suspect the Supervision Department.

Li Zong nodded, then continued: “The Crown Prince was injured and poisoned. He hasn’t regained consciousness yet. If it’s truly as you say, when he wakes up, I’ll have him come thank you.”

“This is what this subordinate should do. I dare not claim credit.”

“Rewards should be given when deserved, or who would serve me?”

Li Zong laughed, then looked toward the door outside, his tone becoming somewhat cooler: “Have the Third Prince, Minister Zheng, and Biyue come in.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked up and saw Li Guiyu enter with Zheng Pingsheng and Zheng Biyue.

From Li Zong’s tone, he was quite close to Zheng Biyue, like an elder.

Luo Wanqing analyzed all the information in her mind while watching the three kneel and bow.

Li Zong first addressed Li Guiyu: “Guiyu, you speak first.” Li Zong stroked his jade seal: “You reported suspecting the Supervision Department of plotting against the Crown Prince. How did you know about this?”

“I received a letter someone left at my door.”

Li Guiyu spoke respectfully. Someone immediately presented a note, which was brought to the table. Li Zong glanced at the contents and looked up: “Do you know who sent it?”

“This son doesn’t know.”

“You don’t know, yet you sent messages to the palace?” Li Zong smiled: “I didn’t know you had such a rash temperament.”

“This son was concerned for Crown Prince His Highness and dared not be careless.”

“If you’re so concerned about the Crown Prince, with your martial arts skills, why didn’t you go to Fangfei Pavilion to rescue him?” Li Zong’s words were sharp, but Li Guiyu’s expression didn’t change.

“This son didn’t dare go.”

“What’s there not to dare?”

“Upon receiving the message, this son immediately notified the palace and deliberately went to the Minister’s residence to avoid suspicion. Yet I’m still suspected. If this son had been at the scene, this matter would be inexplicable.” Li Guiyu seemed disheartened, his tone flat.

Seeing this, Li Zong paused in stroking his jade seal.

Li Guiyu didn’t defend himself or say much, but precisely this attitude, combined with his desolate demeanor, actually made him appear somewhat pitiable.

Li Zong was silent for a moment, then turned to look at Xie Heng: “Heng’er, why do you say you suspect Guiyu of assassinating the Crown Prince?”

“Your Majesty,” Xie Heng said calmly, “because this subject personally saw someone who greatly resembled the Third Prince, so I reported ‘suspicions.’ Today, the Supervision Department investigated the scene, and the traces left by the assassin are also consistent with the Third Prince’s martial arts style.”

There were traces, though not ironclad evidence, that carried more weight than a group of people’s words.

Li Zong remained silent, seemingly thinking. In the quiet moment, commotion suddenly arose outside.

Everyone looked up to see a woman in gold-embroidered phoenix palace robes with a golden crown, her face cold as she led people striding imperiously into the hall.

She seemed extremely angry. Upon entering the hall, she silently bowed to Li Zong.

Li Zong was startled: “Empress, how did you…”

Before he finished speaking, the Empress turned and delivered a fierce slap to Li Guiyu’s face!

Li Guiyu calmly received the slap. The Empress turned back with tears in her eyes, staring at Li Zong: “Your Majesty, why do you still allow this rebel to remain here?”

Li Zong’s expression darkened. Xie Heng lowered his eyes and fingered his Qianji bracelet.

Luo Wanqing observed everything as the Empress pointed at Li Guiyu and said through gritted teeth: “The Crown Prince is his brother, yet he could strike. Such a heartless, ungrateful creature—if Your Majesty doesn’t immediately throw him into prison, what are you waiting for?!”

“Empress.”

Li Zong spoke coldly: “The matter is not yet certain.”

“Won’t interrogation make it certain?!”

The Empress stared at Li Zong, reminding him: “Your Majesty, that’s the Crown Prince! If he dares move against even the Crown Prince, what won’t he dare? Such a heinous crime—Your Majesty won’t even allow torture. How can you put a mother’s heart at ease?”

These words made Li Zong pause slightly. Everyone could sense Li Zong wavering. Zheng Biyue, beside them, quickly said: “No, Your Majesty, the Third Prince is innocent. Last night, he was at the Zheng residence the entire time. I can…”

“Silence!”

Zheng Pingsheng cut off Zheng Biyue, but everyone could hear that she was about to stake her reputation as a guarantee.

Scolded by Zheng Pingsheng, Zheng Biyue fell quiet, looking at Li Guiyu with apologetic eyes.

With both sides at an impasse, Li Guiyu chuckled softly and looked up at the Empress.

“Mother,” Li Guiyu looked at her calmly, “Seventh Brother is your child—am I not?”

The Empress paused, then turned to look at him, her eyes full of disappointment: “You are, which is why Mother is even more disappointed.”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu smiled bitterly, then kowtowed on the ground, saying respectfully: “Father, since it’s so, please have this son imprisoned and subjected to severe interrogation.”

Hearing this, Li Zong looked at him. At this moment, if there were outsiders present, seeing Li Guiyu’s posture, they would surely feel pity.

The Empress glared at him hatefully, clenching her fists.

Li Guiyu calmly kowtowed on the ground. Li Zong thought for a while, seeming to hesitate.

After a long time, Xie Heng spoke flatly: “Your Majesty.”

Li Zong turned to look. Xie Heng looked up seriously: “Why not conduct a secret interrogation? Only those of us present would know. An interrogation,” Xie Heng looked toward the Empress, “would ease Her Majesty’s maternal concerns.”

Hearing this, the Empress’s expression sharpened, but Li Zong seemed relieved of a great burden and nodded: “A secret interrogation is good. Then it should be conducted by…”

Li Zong hesitated, looking around.

For a secret interrogation, naturally, the fewer people who knew, the better. Who should conduct it?

The Central Imperial Office?

They were eunuchs after all, managing only palace affairs. They rarely had experience interrogating officials, wouldn’t know proper restraint, and who knew how many of the Empress’s people were among them. Going to the Central Imperial Office might mean not coming out alive.

The Ministry of Justice?

That was Li Guiyu’s future father-in-law. Forget whether the Empress would agree—Li Zong himself felt it inappropriate.

The Censorate?

Sending him there would involve more people knowing, and it was the Empress’s family territory. Once inside, Li Guiyu probably wouldn’t come out either.

The only one he could trust was ironically the implicated Supervision Department.

Though the Supervision Department was involved in the case, Xie Heng and Li Guiyu had no personal grudges. He and Li Guiyu should be on the same side, yet he was still willing to report Li Guiyu. Moreover, compared to the Central Imperial Office, Xie Heng would know proper limits and wouldn’t let Li Guiyu come to harm.

Most importantly, Xie Heng was his man.

After brief consideration, Li Zong had his answer.

“Let the Supervision Department conduct the secret interrogation.”

“Your Majesty!” Hearing this, the Empress immediately frowned: “The Supervision Department is already involved in this case. Why not let the Central Imperial Office handle the interrogation?”

“Empress,” Li Zong looked up coldly, “enough.”

The Empress’s expression stiffened. Li Zong turned to Xie Heng seriously: “Interrogate thoroughly. Do you understand?”

Xie Heng immediately understood Li Zong’s meaning, rose, and bowed respectfully: “This subject understands.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but look at Xie Heng.

On the way here, he had said if he could get Li Guiyu into the Supervision Department, he would hand him over to her for interrogation. Now it had truly happened as he predicted—the Empress herself had gotten Li Guiyu sent to the Supervision Department?

How had he managed this?

Luo Wanqing was puzzled but didn’t dare speak. Guards stepped forward to take Li Guiyu away when Zheng Biyue suddenly rushed forward, pushing aside the guards and crying urgently: “Your Majesty, with so many people here, why do you only punish the Third Prince?”

Everyone looked over to see Zheng Biyue urgently raising her head. Just as she was about to speak, she met Xie Heng’s cold, indifferent gaze.

Zheng Biyue’s voice caught. She didn’t dare look at Xie Heng again, but seemed unwilling to give up. She quickly looked at Luo Wanqing sitting quietly nearby, shifting her gaze to her and saying through gritted teeth: “What about her?!”

Li Zong frowned slightly as Zheng Biyue pointed at Luo Wanqing: “She held the Crown Prince hostage, Your Majesty. If you spare even her,” Zheng Biyue’s face showed distress, “can’t you spare the Third Prince?”

“Biyue.”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu looked over coldly, seemingly warning: “No need for more words.”

However, Zheng Biyue wasn’t listening. She frantically raised her voice: “Your Majesty!”

But before she could say more, Luo Wanqing said softly: “This young lady knows quite a lot.”

Everyone looked at Luo Wanqing, who stared at Zheng Biyue as if interrogating a criminal: “Who told the young lady that I held the Crown Prince hostage?”

This question made Zheng Biyue pause, and Li Guiyu looked over coldly.

The matter of Luo Wanqing holding the Crown Prince hostage had occurred inside Fengyu Pavilion. Let alone a sheltered young lady—even her father Zheng Pingsheng might not have received such quick information.

Luo Wanqing casually mentioned, “If not someone present, who could have spread the news so quickly?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng couldn’t help but glance at Luo Wanqing, a trace of very faint amusement in his eyes.

Zheng Biyue’s expression stiffened slightly: “The soldiers who searched the residence told me.”

“Which soldier?” Luo Wanqing pressed.

Zheng Biyue’s face darkened, then she seemed to think of something and glared at Luo Wanqing: “What position are you in to interrogate me?!”

“Oh?”

Hearing this, Xie Heng turned his gaze over and asked coolly: “What position is Miss Zheng in that the Supervision Department cannot question her?”

“Biyue.”

As Xie Heng spoke, Zheng Pingsheng finally intervened, warning: “Taking hearsay as fact and speaking nonsense.”

Scolded, Zheng Biyue finally calmed down somewhat and lowered her head: “Yes, Biyue spoke foolishly. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

Hearing Zheng Biyue’s admission of error, Li Zong sighed and shook his head: “Sigh, child, you become confused whenever Guiyu’s affairs are involved.”

Hearing this, tears fell from Zheng Biyue’s eyes.

Li Zong seemed somewhat weary and waved his hand: “That’s enough. You may all withdraw. The Supervision Department will secretly interrogate Guiyu, the Central Imperial Office will continue investigating other leads. When the Crown Prince awakens, we’ll discuss further. Empress, remain,” Li Zong looked at the Empress gently, “I want to chat with you.”

Hearing this, everyone rose and acknowledged, filing out, leaving only the Empress in the imperial study to “chat” with Li Zong.

Luo Wanqing was helped by palace maids and followed Xie Heng out of the room. Outside, she felt a gaze constantly watching her.

Luo Wanqing looked up and found it was Zheng Biyue. Realizing Luo Wanqing had noticed her scrutiny, Zheng Biyue immediately looked away and pretended to be calm as she followed Zheng Pingsheng.

Xie Heng observed the silent undercurrents between the two women but said nothing, only having people help Luo Wanqing into the carriage before getting in himself.

Once both were in the carriage, Luo Wanqing asked: “Why did the Empress come?”

“You ask too many questions.” Xie Heng gave her a cold glance.

Luo Wanqing immediately understood she had overstepped and quickly said: “This subordinate knows her error.”

Xie Heng said no more, taking up case files from the side. After thinking, he spoke: “You needn’t concern yourself with the Empress’s movements, nor worry about the hostage matter.”

“His Majesty doesn’t blame me?”

Luo Wanqing knew this was something she could ask and voiced her confusion.

Holding the Crown Prince hostage wasn’t a minor crime, yet the Emperor didn’t pursue it at all. What had Xie Heng done?

“After this morning’s court session, I spoke with His Majesty,” Xie Heng explained. “I suspected last night’s Fengyu Pavilion people were connected to the Empress, so I wanted to test using the Crown Prince. For His Majesty, holding the Crown Prince hostage to confirm Fengyu Pavilion’s identity was worthwhile.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing paused, understanding Xie Heng’s weight in Li Zong’s heart and his absolute grasp of palace dynamics.

She didn’t dare say more and responded steadily: “Young Master’s foresight is admirable.”

Xie Heng was accustomed to such flattery and seemed unsatisfied with her reaction, glancing at her without further comment.

The two got out of the carriage together. Xie Heng had people carry Luo Wanqing back in a sedan chair.

Before leaving, he said, “After Li Guiyu arrives at the Supervision Department, wait for Cui Guanlan to notify you. You’ll interrogate the Third Prince. I don’t care what you do, but you must have limits. Do you understand?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing paused slightly, realizing this was Xie Heng’s warning.

Luo Wanqing bowed respectfully: “Yes.”

Seeing her understanding, Xie Heng nodded and led his people away.

Luo Wanqing was carried by sedan chair back to the mountain where Xie Heng resided.

Though she was now confirmed not to be Zhang Jiuran, Xie Heng hadn’t made her leave. Without Xie Heng’s word, no one dared touch her. Luo Wanqing lay in bed resting all afternoon when Zhusi came to report that Qin Jue wanted to see her.

Luo Wanqing was concerned about Zhang Jiuran, but too much had happened since last night. Now that Qin Jue was coming of his own accord, she immediately had Zhusi invite him in.

When Qin Jue entered, Luo Wanqing sat on the bed and immediately asked: “How is Jiuran?”

“Last night, the Inspector gave me the mother parasite, and I removed the parasitic worm overnight.”

Qin Jue said calmly, “This morning, when I wiped her hands, she moved her fingers. She should recover gradually soon.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Jue’s expression was indifferent: “Last night, the Inspector spoke with me. As long as I forgive her, she’s willing to atone through service. The Supervision Department can give her a way to live. There’s no need to hide anymore. In a few days, I’ll send her to you.”

Luo Wanqing was startled. Qin Jue lowered his eyes: “Don’t say I’ve seen her. Pretend we never met.”

“But…”

“If she knew I saved her even now,” Qin Jue seemed afraid she would plead for something, suddenly looking up coldly: “I find it disgusting.”

Afraid she would know of his weakness and gullibility, he found it disgusting.

Luo Wanqing fell silent, then responded: “I understand.”

“That’s all I have to say.” Qin Jue rose: “I’m leaving.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t try to keep him. She watched silently as Qin Jue left.

Qin Jue was like another version of her, but she knew she would never, ever treat Li Guiyu the way Qin Jue treated Zhang Jiuran.

He lacked Qin Jue’s tolerance and mercy. She was just a demon fallen into hell.

And tonight, the demon would see Li Guiyu.

She could kill him.

Luo Wanqing realized she had never been closer to revenge. As long as she was willing, tonight she could trade her life for his.

In her mind flashed an image of Li Guiyu crying and apologizing. She couldn’t help but close her eyes.

She calmed her state of mind, suddenly realizing that after walking so far and seeking so much, what she wanted most deep down was that one phrase: he was wrong.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—using the simplest revenge to repent before her family members in the underworld.

Luo Wanqing took a long time to recover. When she opened her eyes, she saw the setting sun like blood.

Zhusi came in to serve dinner, then brought medicine. Luo Wanqing ate, took her medicine, then changed into her Supervision Department inspector’s clothes and waited for Cui Heng.

When night fell, Cui Heng finally knocked on her door, saying softly: “You needn’t open the door. Just respond, and I’ll push it open myself.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing responded. Cui Heng pushed open the door, carrying a rabbit lantern and wearing his mask, looking at Luo Wanqing with a smile.

Luo Wanqing was startled. Cui Heng stepped forward and handed her the rabbit lantern, smiling: “Is it pretty?”

Luo Wanqing took the rabbit lantern, somewhat bewildered, looking up at Cui Heng: “This is for me?”

“When visiting the sick, one should bring gifts, right?” Cui Heng smiled, then asked: “What are your plans tonight?”

Hearing the question, Luo Wanqing paused slightly.

“I heard Li Guiyu entered the Supervision Department, and you’ll interrogate him.” Cui Heng looked down at her sitting in the chair, smiling: “Tonight, he’s at your mercy. What do you want to do?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t speak. Cui Heng placed his hands on the armrests, bent down, stared into her eyes, and examined her carefully: “Do you want to kill him?”

“Yes.” Luo Wanqing answered calmly.

Cui Heng’s smile faded somewhat: “Really?”

“No.”

Luo Wanqing smiled: “I plan to tell him my identity. Once he knows it’s me, he’ll know I truly want to kill him. I won’t act tonight. Give him a chance to send word out tonight.”

“What message? To whom?” Cui Heng completely ignored her “identity” and only asked about Li Guiyu-related matters.

“The Empress.” Luo Wanqing knew he was being considerate and looked up at him: “What’s keeping him in the Supervision Department now is the Empress, but once the Crown Prince dies, the Empress and he will be grasshoppers on the same rope. The faster the Crown Prince dies, the sooner he can leave.”

“So once he knows you truly want to kill him, he’ll find ways to kill the Crown Prince and leave the Supervision Department.”

Cui Heng understood Luo Wanqing’s plan and straightened up, spreading his hands: “Alright, then I’ll accompany the Inspector on this trip. A sedan chair isn’t convenient for the dungeons. May I carry you?”

Thinking of being carried by Cui Heng to the dungeons, Luo Wanqing felt her face heat up for some reason. Just as she was about to refuse, she heard Cui Heng say: “Given your injuries, you shouldn’t be conducting interrogations. This time, Young Master made an exception, but you can’t be reckless.”

“I’m fine.”

Luo Wanqing said awkwardly, “If people see you like this… I… my reputation…”

“I’ll put you down at the entrance,” Cui Heng was surprisingly insistent, his tone cooling somewhat as if compromising: “I definitely won’t let Li Guiyu see and damage Your Honor’s dignity.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt further refusal would seem pretentious.

Luo Wanqing silently put down the rabbit lantern and let Cui Heng carry her to the dungeons.

Cui Heng did give Luo Wanqing some dignity, not taking the main path. Almost no one noticed before they reached the dungeon entrance. Upon arrival, Cui Heng set her down and opened the dungeon door for her, entering the interrogation room together.

Entering the room, she saw Li Guiyu chained to the torture rack with black iron restraints, eyes closed as if resting.

Hearing sounds, Li Guiyu opened his eyes. Seeing Luo Wanqing and Cui Heng enter, he seemed surprised, staring at Luo Wanqing’s wounds and chuckling: “Inspector Liu suffered such serious injuries yet is still assigned to interrogate me. It seems Inspector Xie trusts the effect of your face on me.”

Li Guiyu never considered that she came here by her own choice, only thinking Xie Heng was using her—this inspector with Luo Wanqing’s face—to interrogate him even while severely injured.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing didn’t explain much, only saying flatly: “Thanks to you, that last arrow was somewhat off-target. I’m still alive and well.”

This made Li Guiyu’s expression darken.

He knew that in that final moment, seeing that face raised toward him, his hand had ultimately trembled.

This face had indeed caused some influence, even though she was a fake.

This clear calculation, yet he still fell for it.

“Why?” Luo Wanqing walked to the interrogator’s chair, not quite understanding: “Because of guilt?”

If there was guilt, why did these things happen in the first place?

Li Guiyu didn’t respond, watching as Cui Heng helped her sit down.

He kept staring at where Cui Heng touched her. Cui Heng noticed and smiled without comment. After Luo Wanqing sat down, he considerately placed a soft pillow behind her, then handed her hot tea.

Luo Wanqing was accustomed to being served and completely unaware of the observer beside them.

When Cui Heng helped her, she sat.

When Cui Heng placed the pillow, she leaned back.

When Cui Heng offered tea, she could receive it without looking.

Even when taking the teacup, her pinky finger slightly raised—every detail mimicked exactly like Luo Wanqing, except the person serving beside her wasn’t Jiang Shaoyan.

Li Guiyu watched these movements, his eyes darkening.

Luo Wanqing sensed the killing intent. She sat properly and looked up at Li Guiyu with confusion mixed with warning: “Third Prince?”

“You want to interrogate me?”

Li Guiyu didn’t answer directly. If he answered her, he would be admitting he was at Fangfei Pavilion last night and was the one who shot and wounded her.

Luo Wanqing nodded: “I am your chief interrogator today.”

“Good.”

Li Guiyu answered casually.

He turned to look at Cui Heng, his tone suddenly dropping: “Then make him get out.”

Cui Heng raised an eyebrow. Li Guiyu turned back to focus on Luo Wanqing, his eyes gentle, revealing a gorgeous smile as if negotiating: “With just you and me here, if Inspector Liu asks, I’ll answer. How about it?”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Cui Heng: “May I carry you over?”

Luo Wanqing: “That wouldn’t be appropriate…”

Cui Heng: “Heh, with Li Guiyu around, I can’t even carry you.”

Luo Wanqing: “…”

Cui Heng: “Fine, for your injuries, I’ll swallow my pride. I’ll hide from him to carry you, okay?”

Luo Wanqing: “You speak in such a passive-aggressive way.”

[Mini Theater 2]

Luo Wanqing: “How would you feel if your young lady interrogated you?”

Li Guiyu: “I’d accept it gladly.”

Luo Wanqing: “…You pervert!!”

Cui Heng: “What about me?”

Li Guiyu: “…”

Cui Heng: “Guiyu, say something.”

Li Guiyu: “Don’t touch me!!! Pervert!!!!”