◎Starting Work◎

After leaving the Supervision Department, Li Guiyu washed and changed his clothes, then followed Zhao Dewang into the palace.

The Empress had been staying in the Eastern Palace these days. When Li Guiyu followed Zhao Dewang through the Eastern Palace gates, he saw physicians and medicinal herbs flowing in like water. He glanced at them indifferently and followed Zhao Dewang to the side hall.

Empress Wang Lianyang had been waiting in the side hall. As soon as Li Guiyu entered, Wang Lianyang grabbed a jade ruyi from beside her and hurled it at him, angrily shouting: “Rebellious son!”

Li Guiyu raised his hand to catch the jade ruyi, his expression calm: “Mother,” he looked up at Wang Lianyang, “I’m the only good son you have left. Treasure me well.”

“Shangwen is still alive!” Wang Lianyang gritted her teeth.

“What’s the difference from being dead?” Li Guiyu chuckled lightly. “Mother summoned me back so urgently – isn’t it because you’re afraid I’ll suffer torture in the Supervision Department and accidentally become a flawed prince like Seventh Brother, unable to inherit the throne?”

Hearing this, Wang Lianyang’s eyes showed shock, as if she couldn’t believe Li Guiyu would say such things.

Li Guiyu stepped forward, as if comforting, took Wang Lianyang’s hand and patted the back of it gently: “Mother, rest assured. Since my younger brother can no longer have heirs and cannot be the Crown Prince, it doesn’t matter. You still have me. In the future, our family,” Li Guiyu smiled, “must live well together.”

“You’re mad!”

Wang Lianyang suddenly reacted, throwing off Li Guiyu’s hand and breathing rapidly.

Her lips trembled as she spoke angrily: “Why didn’t you kill him?”

Li Guiyu’s eyes showed confusion. Seeing his pretense, Wang Lianyang spoke excitedly: “You could use poison to make him a eunuch – why didn’t you just kill him directly!”

“Oh,” Li Guiyu understood and smiled, his expression carrying some brotherly warmth, “He is my brother after all. I had no intention of killing him. Mother,” Li Guiyu looked at her seriously, “I only seek fairness.”

Wang Lianyang’s expression froze. Li Guiyu seemed to remember something: “Back then, you could abandon me. This time, please be sure to abandon him, too. He’s useless now.”

Wang Lianyang stared blankly at Li Guiyu. Li Guiyu’s eyes held some pleading: “Please look at your son.”

Wang Lianyang couldn’t speak. She looked at the young man before her, her expression gradually becoming defeated.

After a long time, she finally spoke hoarsely: “You must guarantee he stays alive.”

“Of course,” Li Guiyu nodded, “I guarantee it.”

Wang Lianyang closed her eyes in resignation, took a deep breath: “I’ve already suppressed the matter of his inability to reproduce. No one will discover it for now. You’ve just returned to court with shallow foundations. Wait for some time. After the Crown Prince’s power is gradually transferred to you, Shangwen will claim illness.”

Li Guiyu remained silent. Wang Lianyang continued: “His Majesty is now very wary of aristocratic families, especially ours. So now you and the Wang family should pretend to be at odds with me over past matters and get close to the Zheng family. This way, His Majesty will be much less suspicious of you, and Zheng Pingsheng will think he can control you. I am your mother. You came from my body,” Wang Lianyang raised her head, tears in her eyes, “Though I wronged you in the past, you and I will always be closest, right?”

“Yes.” Li Guiyu lowered his eyes, “You and I, mother and son, are the closest people.”

Getting Li Guiyu’s promise, Wang Lianyang relaxed, then said: “You weren’t tortured in the Supervision Department, were you?”

“Just minor matters.”

“Did Liu Xiniang hurt you?”

Wang Lianyang’s gaze fell on the wound on Li Guiyu’s neck, frowning: “Torture?”

Li Guiyu said nothing. Seeing this, Wang Lianyang eagerly displayed her maternal love for Li Guiyu, angrily shouting: “Outrageous! I’ll have her brought to the palace immediately!”

“She’s from the Supervision Department. Xie Heng won’t allow it. Creating conflict over Liu Xiniang isn’t worth it.”

Li Guiyu spoke. Wang Lianyang also knew this was reasonable.

Killing Liu Xiniang was easy, but killing someone from the Supervision Department would be a huge handle against them, unnecessary.

“But we can have her brought over.”

Li Guiyu smiled. Wang Lianyang paused and looked up at Li Guiyu.

“She saved Shangwen. Shangwen has no one to protect him now. Let Shangwen petition His Majesty.” Li Guiyu spoke casually. “Have Liu Xiniang bestowed upon him. I’ll come to the Eastern Palace to collect her, find some corpse, and claim she died.”

Hearing this, Wang Lianyang’s eyes widened.

He would secretly take her away, then lie that Liu Xiniang died in the Eastern Palace. The blame would fall on Li Shangwen, having nothing to do with him.

“It’s a chess piece to be discarded anyway,” Li Guiyu tilted his head, “you wouldn’t mind this small additional crime, would you? Little brother should be willing.”

Speaking thus, Li Guiyu seemed to remember something, his eyes showing coldness: “Such a beautiful woman.”

Wang Lianyang couldn’t speak. She seemed to struggle.

Li Guiyu looked at her calmly, asking in confusion: “Mother can’t bear to soil little brother’s reputation?”

“No…”

Wang Lianyang forced herself to smile, trembling: “Being able to help you with something is what he should do as a younger brother. It’s just that his injuries haven’t healed yet. This matter should wait until he recovers, shouldn’t it?”

“Mother is right.”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu smiled and bowed respectfully: “I await Mother’s news. I think now in Mother’s heart, I should be,” Li Guiyu looked up with emphasis, “more important than little brother.”

After returning from Xie Heng’s place, eating, and taking medicine, Luo Wanqing felt drowsy. She had a good sleep. When she woke, she felt someone beside her and coolness on her body.

Luo Wanqing instinctively turned around and grasped the other person’s fingers covered in medicinal paste.

The other person looked up. Luo Wanqing was startled, then realized: “Cui Heng?”

“Time to change the medicine.” Cui Heng pushed away her hand without any intimacy. “I saw you sleeping earlier and planned not to disturb you.”

“I…”

Only then did Luo Wanqing realize she was lying on her stomach. She hesitantly lay back down, letting Cui Heng apply medicine to the wound on her back, asking in confusion: “Was I sleeping so deeply?”

“The medicine you drank at noon contained sleep-inducing components.”

Cui Heng explained. Luo Wanqing still found it strange: “Even so, it shouldn’t…”

“There’s also incense from the Western Regions in your room – sleep-inducing incense.” Cui Heng glanced at the nearby incense burner. “Normally, it’s harmless, but combined with today’s medicine, it’s no different from knockout drugs.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing was surprised. Her incense was the same as that in Xie Heng’s courtyard. Did Xie Heng use sleep-inducing incense daily?

“Killing too many people makes it hard to sleep well,” Cui Heng seemed to know her thoughts, smiling at her. “In the future, everyone will be the same.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s fingertips trembled slightly. Cui Heng finished applying her medicine and said gently, “If you’re not sleeping anymore, I’ll take you to meet Chief Baili. Since she’s back, she’ll be your master from now on.”

“What about you?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s heart trembled. She looked up at Cui Heng: “Didn’t you say you would teach me…”

“I was only here to test you originally, not permanently.”

Cui Heng spoke honestly. Luo Wanqing wasn’t surprised.

She had wondered how someone like Cui Heng could be a Shadow Envoy.

“Since you’re staying in the Supervision Department now, you need your own master and Shadow Envoy to truly establish yourself here. Among the Four Chiefs, Qingya excels at strategy and mechanisms, handling covert affairs; Xuanshan excels at military tactics and personnel, handling the Supervision Department’s daily interactions; Zhuque has the strongest martial arts and often goes on field missions; while Baili excels at gathering intelligence and assassination. Following Baili, you can learn much. If she’s willing to promote you, you’ll have your domain in the White Tiger Division.”

Luo Wanqing said nothing. Cui Heng looked up: “As for your Shadow Envoy…”

“Can I not have a Shadow Envoy?”

Luo Wanqing suddenly spoke. Cui Heng was startled. She looked at Cui Heng seriously: “Besides you, I don’t trust anyone else.”

A Shadow Envoy was someone an Inspector entrusted their life to. She couldn’t just find anyone to be her Shadow Envoy.

Even with Cui Heng, she still had reservations, let alone others.

Hearing this, Cui Heng remained silent. After a long time, he smiled: “Then it can only be me.”

Speaking thus, Cui Heng pulled up Luo Wanqing’s clothes. Luo Wanqing sat up, and Cui Heng helped tie her belt, instructing: “But if I’m your Shadow Envoy, don’t expect me to be around all the time. I usually have my tasks. You’ll need to handle many things yourself.”

“Mm.”

Luo Wanqing prepared herself and responded: “I’ll take good care of myself.”

“Alright, get up,” Cui Heng said and led Luo Wanqing. “I’ll take you to meet Aunt Baili.”

Luo Wanqing followed Cui Heng out of her room to the courtyard where Xie Heng worked. Upon entering, she saw Baili sitting in the corridor, brewing tea and chatting with Qingya.

Her injuries hadn’t fully healed and her complexion wasn’t great, but her spirits were good – she seemed quite happy.

Cui Heng entered the courtyard and bowed to Baili: “Aunt Baili.”

Baili looked up, her gaze immediately passing over Cui Heng to rest on Luo Wanqing.

She looked Luo Wanqing up and down, then smiled: “This must be Inspector Liu?”

Speaking thus, she beckoned to Luo Wanqing: “Come, let me have a look.”

Luo Wanqing dared not be negligent. She stepped forward, and Baili took her hand, examining it carefully. Then she showed surprise, turning to look at Cui Heng beside her: “This bone structure is indeed…”

Baili paused, then nodded: “Good material.”

“Her internal energy is deep, her bone structure excellent. She’ll surely rank among first-class masters in the future. Her intellect is extremely strong – she even fooled the Young Master for a while. Qingya served tea nearby, glancing at Cui Heng standing to the side, then looking up at Baili. “You definitely won’t lose out taking this discipline.”

“With… Guanlan’s guarantee, I’m naturally at ease.” Baili smiled after hearing Qingya speak, with some worry: “I’m just concerned that Inspector Liu’s natural talent is so good that my abilities won’t be sufficient to guide her.”

“Aunt is too modest,” Cui Heng nearby spoke. “I’m only at ease entrusting her to Aunt.”

Hearing this, Baili paused, then nodded: “Very well.”

Hearing Baili’s agreement, Cui Heng raised his hand, urging Luo Wanqing: “Call her Master.”

Luo Wanqing immediately understood.

Baili was the most senior of the Four Chiefs. Even Xie Heng might have to listen to her somewhat. Having Cui Heng arrange for her to worship Baili as master was finding her a huge backing in the Supervision Department.

Moreover, Baili had always been called the Supervision Department’s strongest spy, surely having exceptional abilities. Being able to take her as a disciple was her good fortune.

She dared not hesitate, quickly kneeling and performing a great bow, respectfully saying: “Master.”

Seeing her sensibility, Baili also smiled, standing up and saying to Cui Heng: “Then I’ll take Xiniang to walk around the White Tiger Division first.”

Cui Heng nodded. Baili bid farewell to Qingya, then beckoned to Luo Wanqing: “Come, Xiniang.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing followed Baili down the mountain.

Each of the Four Chiefs had their office courtyards, named after their positions. Baili’s courtyard was the White Tiger Division.

Following behind Baili, Luo Wanqing entered the White Tiger Division for the first time. Upon entering, she saw many pigeons flying about and many people coming and going.

“The Supervision Department is similar to Fengyu Pavilion. Fengyu Pavilion has Light Pavilion and Dark Pavilion; the Supervision Department also divides into Outer and Inner Divisions.” Baili introduced the White Tiger Division’s situation to Luo Wanqing. Though she had heard some of this from Cui Heng before, it wasn’t as clear as Baili’s explanation.

“The Outer Division consists of inspectors who execute missions and handle cases externally – this is widely known. But what people don’t know is that behind the inspectors, the Supervision Department has a huge system supporting all inspector activities – this is the Inner Division.”

Speaking thus, Baili led Luo Wanqing into a room filled with documents: “In the Inner Division, the Azure Dragon Division is responsible for developing weapons, poisons, and other things inspectors need; the Xuanwu Division handles earning money and managing relationships in both legal and illegal circles to facilitate inspector activities; the Zhuque Division handles killing and fighting; while our White Tiger Division handles intelligence gathering. Of course, the divisions often cross-assign tasks. Like us gathering intelligence while casually killing someone, or Zhuque Division killing while gathering intelligence – that’s normal.”

Baili spoke, then turned back with a smile, asking: “Are you afraid of killing?”

“Not afraid.” Luo Wanqing shook her head, but thought again and said: “But without necessity, I don’t want to kill.”

Hearing this, Baili nodded: “That’s right.”

Then she led Luo Wanqing upstairs, continuing: “Every inspector will spend time in the Inner Division before officially becoming an independent inspector. You’re injured recently, so you can start by organizing and reviewing intelligence here, and delivering documents for me. After your injuries heal, you can go to the Azure Dragon Division hall to receive missions, or if you want to handle some cases yourself, write up documents and submit them to the Xuanwu Division hall’s discussion box. After approval from above, you can receive the mission and open the case.”

“Yes.”

Luo Wanqing listened and responded respectfully.

Baili entered a room, took out a box, and from it took a token, handing it to Luo Wanqing: “This is your nameplate. From today, you are a Sixth Rank Inspector of the Supervision Department.”

Luo Wanqing looked down at the three characters “Liu Xiniang” on the nameplate. She pressed her lips together, then raised her hands respectfully: “Thank you, Chief Baili.”

“Take the token to find the manager below to report,” Baili sat in her position, smiling. “If you need to ask me anything, you can come up and ask.”

“Yes.”

Luo Wanqing responded and bowed, then withdrew.

She took the token to find the manager downstairs, who arranged tasks for her.

With injuries, she couldn’t do heavy work and could only go to Lingxi Pavilion, which specialized in information transmission for the Supervision Department, to work as staff.

Her daily task was to interface with Shadow Envoys of various inspectors, helping them find information when they came asking.

This task was mostly done by injured inspectors. Information was divided by region, with each person reading daily messages sent back by carrier pigeons from their assigned area.

When Luo Wanqing arrived, the manager assigned Yangzhou to her. She sat in her position and looked around – to her right was a talkative fat man, to her left a quiet, tall man.

People came and went around them, both responding to Shadow Envoys asking for information.

Luo Wanqing hesitated a moment, then, following the manager’s instructions, asked those beside her: “Hello, you two, I’m new here handling Yangzhou…”

Before she finished, both people simultaneously pushed two boxes full of paper slips from left and right.

“These are today’s messages from Yangzhou.”

The nearby fat man immediately said, “Read quickly. After reading, record them. Answer these Shadow Envoys’ questions if you can; if not, write them down and ask seniors.”

“These days, he and I have been handling Yangzhou’s information together, but I handle Jinling.” The nearby man recorded questions from the Shadow Envoy before him, explaining without looking up.

The fat man immediately spoke: “I handle Hangzhou.”

“We were just waiting for you.” The tall man said, looking up seriously: “What’s your surname?”

“I’m Liu Xiniang.” Luo Wanqing said carefully.

The tall man nodded seriously: “I’m Fang Zhi, second in my family.”

“I’m Fang Yuan, Fang Zhi is my second brother,” the nearby fat man said boldly, pointing to another upright young man to his left. “This is my eldest brother, Fang Shun. We three are blood brothers, formerly bandits who entered the Supervision Department through death row assessment. Miss Liu, what did you do before?”

“Salt trading.”

Luo Wanqing replied without changing expression. Hearing this, Fang Yuan immediately gave a thumbs up, praising: “Impressive!”

The court was extremely harsh on salt traders – those who dared trade salt were no ordinary people.

Luo Wanqing smiled without saying more. After introductions, they knew each other.

From that day on, Luo Wanqing lived an extremely regular life. She would get up in the morning and go down the mountain with Baili. On the way up and down, Baili would chat with her, telling her about the various forces in the Eastern Capital’s martial world, analyzing the intelligence she saw in the White Tiger Division, using every person in the intelligence as examples to teach her how to be a good spy.

Afterward, she would go to Lingxi Pavilion to continue as a messenger, dealing with Shadow Envoys all day. Later in the evening, she would return to the mountain, and Cui Heng would come at night to check her wounds and teach her meditation and breath regulation.

The days passed quickly and peacefully. Her wounds healed fast and soon had little effect. Cui Heng then began teaching her swordwork.

She didn’t know if the swordwork she learned was good or not, but she knew that when she got interested and went to the training ground to spar with Fang Yuan and the others, she never lost.

After more than half a month, Luo Wanqing’s injuries were mostly healed. During the day, she followed Baili down the mountain and was preparing to pack up and go to the Azure Dragon Division to receive a mission when she heard an urgent call from the doorway: “Inspector Liu!”

Luo Wanqing turned to look and saw an attendant followed by someone who looked like a eunuch. He smiled at Luo Wanqing warmly: “Inspector Liu.”

Luo Wanqing glanced and saw the imperial palace badge at his waist. The imperial palace belonged to the Emperor. Luo Wanqing hesitantly spoke: “This Eunuch is?”

“This servant is Zhao Shun from the imperial palace. Eunuch Yang is this servant’s godfather. This servant comes today on His Majesty’s orders to summon Inspector Liu to the palace.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s heart tightened.

“In that case…” Luo Wanqing hesitated, “Let this subordinate first report to my superior…”

“No need,” Zhao Shun interrupted Luo Wanqing. He looked up with a smile: “We’ve already had someone inform Chief Baili. His Majesty awaits in the palace. Please don’t delay, Inspector Liu.”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak. She glanced at the eunuch walking upstairs, and Zhao Shun bowed to her: “Inspector Liu, please.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing nodded and headed outside.

Passing by Fang Zhi’s position, she tapped his desk.

Fang Zhi looked up at her, then nodded.

Luo Wanqing followed Zhao Shun out of the Supervision Department, thinking as she spoke: “Eunuch Zhao, may I ask why His Majesty suddenly summoned me?”

“It’s joyous news.” Zhao Shun smiled. “The Crown Prince has now recovered and, grateful for Inspector Liu’s life-saving grace, specifically petitioned His Majesty to hold a banquet in the palace to reward Inspector Liu.”

Speaking thus, Zhao Shun led Luo Wanqing to a sedan at the entrance, lifting the curtain for her: “Inspector Liu, please.”

Luo Wanqing listened to Zhao Shun’s words, pondering his meaning.

The Crown Prince petitioned His Majesty to hold a banquet to reward her.

That day, she had held a blade to Li Shangwen’s throat, yet he still wanted to reward her? And if he was rewarding her, that was fine, but why did it need His Majesty to hold a palace banquet?

Something was wrong. This was wrong.

Li Guiyu’s words before leaving suddenly flashed through Luo Wanqing’s mind.

“In a few days, I’ll send someone to fetch you. Change your face and leave the Supervision Department. Xie Heng is no good person, just like me.”

In a few days, send someone to fetch her…

Li Guiyu couldn’t get someone from the Supervision Department directly. How would he fetch her?

Li Shangwen wanted to reward her – why go through the Emperor?

Wrong!

Luo Wanqing suddenly realized and instinctively started to rise.

However, in that instant, Zhao Shun suddenly pressed down on her shoulder with tremendous force. Luo Wanqing looked up sharply.

“Inspector Liu,” Zhao Shun smiled, “don’t delay.”

Luo Wanqing stared at Zhao Shun’s face, her gaze slowly falling to his hands.

This was a master.

Realizing Zhao Shun’s martial arts were above hers, Luo Wanqing dared not act rashly.

Zhao Shun smiled and pressed Luo Wanqing back into the sedan.

The curtain fell. Sitting in the sedan, Luo Wanqing understood the reason for today’s palace entry.

Li Shangwen had asked the Emperor for her, so the Emperor personally held a banquet for her to attend alone.

Li Shangwen wanted her at this time – either he was lustful, or… Li Guiyu was directing from behind. Once she reached the Eastern Palace, she would immediately be killed by Li Guiyu.

Since the Emperor was holding a banquet, he had most likely agreed to Li Shangwen.

If she entered the palace now, she might be forcibly sent to the Eastern Palace.

She couldn’t directly defy the Emperor. The only person who could save her now was Xie Heng.

But would Xie Heng defy the Emperor for her?

Luo Wanqing wasn’t certain. Sitting in the sedan, her whole body tense, she pondered how to refuse Li Shangwen later.

She didn’t even know if she would have the chance to refuse.

Luo Wanqing closed her eyes in thought as the sedan carried her into the palace.

After entering the palace, Zhao Shun led her to a room where palace servants came forward, leading her to bathe in pools, then dressing and adorning her in palace attire.

Luo Wanqing wished this process would last as long as possible and didn’t resist, even deliberately delaying.

When she entered the palace, Xie Heng received the news.

Baili stood before Xie Heng, saying calmly, “The Crown Prince has always been lustful. This palace banquet, since His Majesty didn’t invite the Young Master, he’s probably made his decision. By the time the Young Master reaches the palace, the rice will be cooked.”

“They wouldn’t dare.”

Xie Heng rose and headed out, walking quickly: “They would only dare threaten and entice her to agree first, then use her agreement to placate me.”

“What do we do now?” Zhuque followed closely behind Xie Heng, anxiously saying: “Young Master, rushing to the palace now won’t make it in time, will it? You’ll only arrive to hear His Majesty’s decision? Young Master, are you going to argue with His Majesty…”

“Shut up.”

Xie Heng turned to look at Qingya: “Is Cui Junye in the palace today?”

Qingya immediately understood Xie Heng’s meaning and nodded: “Yes.”

“Prepare his mask and official robes. Qingya, pack some correspondence between the Qin family in a case file for me.”

At these words, everyone present was stunned. Qingya frowned: “Now?”

Xie Heng didn’t look back, confirming: “Now.”

Speaking thus, Xie Heng led them down the mountain.

By the time they reached the carriage at the bottom of the mountain, everything was ready. Xie Heng put on the mask and crimson court robes in the carriage while arranging his hair and instructing Zhuque: “Drive the carriage toward the palace, pretending I’m inside. You can’t enter the palace today – wait at the palace gates.”

“What about you?” Zhuque couldn’t understand at all.

Xie Heng said calmly, “I’ll enter the palace to find Liu Xiniang. Going through normal palace entry is too slow – I need to infiltrate.”

“I’ll help you…”

“With Yang Chun in charge, entering the palace could get you killed.”

Xie Heng glanced at Zhuque, saying indifferently: “I’m just delivering something and coming back.”

Speaking thus, Xie Heng had the carriage enter an alley. After taking the documents and confirming everything was correct, he looked around through the curtain, put on his mask, and leaped out.

He quickly crossed over rooftops, reached the palace walls, found a corner, and in the moment the guards turned, leaped up and entered the palace.

Then he pretended to be an ordinary official, walking quickly toward the imperial study.

Luo Wanqing had delayed as long as possible but finally couldn’t delay anymore. Dressed in palace attire, she was led by a maid toward Yangxin Hall.

The sunset was setting, and there weren’t many people in the palace. Luo Wanqing thought about Xie Heng’s whereabouts. If Xie Heng didn’t come tonight, she might have to rely on herself.

Luo Wanqing gripped the hairpin hidden in her sleeve and followed the maid through the corridors. Turning a corner, she saw a young official in court dress walking toward them.

He wore crimson official robes and seemed born with a smiling face. Seeing him, Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised – for no other reason than his lower half of face bore striking resemblance to Xie Heng.

Looking only at his chin and lips, they were nearly identical.

Luo Wanqing stared at the other person blankly. He seemed to notice her gaze and suddenly smiled as they passed.

That smile was too familiar, and his eyes were almost identical to the masked person’s.

Seeing this, Luo Wanqing suddenly lunged at him as if she had stumbled. The young man caught her, and in that instant, he quietly slipped a scroll into her sleeve, whispering in Cui Heng’s voice: “Give the case to the Crown Prince. Force him to handle it.”

Finishing, the young man looked up, asking in another voice with confusion: “Miss?”

“Sorry.”

Luo Wanqing gripped the document in her sleeve, her heart racing, but maintained composure on her face: “I stumbled.”

“Miss, walk carefully.”

The young man steadied her. The nearby maids rushed over, asking urgently: “Lord Liu, are you alright?”

Luo Wanqing held the document in her sleeve and calmed down, nodding: “I’m fine.”

Cui Heng had come.

Luo Wanqing bowed to the young man, who smiled slightly in return.

Then they walked in opposite directions, but she felt like she had taken a calming pill and suddenly wasn’t afraid of anything.

She didn’t know what Cui Heng had given her, but she knew it would let her leave the palace safely today.

After all…

That was Cui Heng.

She calmly followed the maid to Yangxin Hall. Upon entering the great hall, she saw the Emperor and Empress sitting above, talking, with Li Shangwen sitting to the side. Seeing her, his eyes immediately lit up.

Luo Wanqing followed protocol in greeting the Emperor and Empress. Today both were particularly amiable. The Emperor had her seated, then examined her for a while before turning to Li Shangwen with a smile: “You indeed have good taste. Last time I didn’t notice Inspector Liu had such beauty.”

Li Shangwen smiled, immediately saying: “Lord Liu is not only beautiful but also literate and martial. This son is extremely pleased.”

“I like her too.” The Empress glanced at Luo Wanqing sitting in the chair, raising her teacup. “If someone like Inspector Liu could accompany my son, I would be much more at ease.”

The family chatted as if no one else was present, seemingly having decided Luo Wanqing’s fate.

After a moment, Li Zong seemed to finally look at Luo Wanqing, saying warmly, “Inspector Liu, I called you here today to announce joyous news.”

“Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“Last time at Fangfei Pavilion, you saved the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince fell for you at first sight. Since he also lacks protection, I thought of arranging this marriage and having you serve at the Crown Prince’s side.”

Speaking thus, Li Zong raised his teacup, stirring the floating leaves: “You’re from death row with lowly status – you can’t be formally titled now. You can first stay at the Crown Prince’s side, serving day and night. After achieving merit, we’ll give you a new identity and formally bestow the title of Consort. What do you think?”

Li Zong spoke as if granting enormous favor. Luo Wanqing felt disgusted and couldn’t help clenching her fists, but maintained composure: “Your Majesty, serving in the Eastern Palace would naturally be this subject’s fortune. It’s just that this subject has unfinished cases in the Supervision Department and feels concerned. Please allow this subject to complete this case before serving the Crown Prince.”

“A case? What case? How long will you handle it?”

Hearing Luo Wanqing’s delay, Li Shangwen immediately became anxious.

Luo Wanqing shook her head, only saying: “Unknown for now, but since His Highness is magnanimous and kind, having taken a fancy to this subject, he would surely be willing to give this subject some time?”

This blocked Li Shangwen’s prepared scolding. He dared not appear too forceful before Li Zong. After enduring a moment, he smiled: “But I can’t bear to see you suffer in the Supervision Department for even one day.”

“Serving the people brings no suffering to this subject. If I don’t complete this case, this subject fears she cannot serve the Crown Prince properly.”

“Very well…” Li Shangwen gritted his teeth, forcing a smile: “Tell me what case it is. With Father Emperor here today, I’ll petition Father Emperor for a decree,” Li Shangwen said, glancing at Li Zong, who seemed to be thinking, then turned back: “to quickly help you resolve the case. Consider it my repayment to Inspector Liu.”

Li Shangwen was a newly appointed inspector in the Supervision Department. Li Shangwen assumed she couldn’t have any major cases.

It was just a minor inspector’s difficulty. If it could quickly bring her to the Eastern Palace, he was willing to help.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing immediately showed delight: “Thank you, Your Highness!”

Speaking thus, she walked before Li Shangwen, took out a case file, and presented it respectfully: “Your Highness, this is the case.”

Li Shangwen heard this and casually took the case file, glancing at it, then froze in place.

Seeing Li Shangwen’s suddenly changed expression, Li Zong sensed something was wrong and frowned: “Shangwen?”

Hearing this, Li Shangwen suddenly awoke.

He instinctively hurled the case file at Luo Wanqing’s face. Luo Wanqing tilted her head slightly, letting the case file hit the ground.

“How dare you!”

Luo Wanqing turned back to see the three characters “Qin Wenyan” on the case file box, hearing Li Shangwen roar: “The Qin family treason case – you dare bring it here? Liu Xiniang, you’re seeking death!”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater: Luo Wanqing’s Day]

Luo Wanqing: “Hello, I’m a Lingxi Pavilion messenger, employee number 996. How may I help you?”

Shadow Envoy A: “Hello, could you help me check who Wang Pockmark’s wife is?”

Luo Wanqing: “Could you provide more information? Which Wang Pockmark?”

Shadow Envoy A: “From the Eastern Capital.”

Luo Wanqing: “Sorry, I handle the Yangzhou district. Let me transfer you to the Eastern Capital hotline. Please wait.”

Shadow Envoy A: “Wait, do you staff members just pass the buck like this? He’s from the Eastern Capital, but his wife is from Yangzhou.”

Luo Wanqing: “Oh, I see. Please wait while I confirm if this situation falls under Yangzhou jurisdiction. I’ll call you back later. Please keep your line open.”

Shadow Envoy A: “Wait, his wife has an alias.”

Luo Wanqing: “Please provide it.”

Shadow Envoy A (blushing): “Liu Xiniang.”

Luo Wanqing: “??? What?”

Shadow Envoy A (blushing): “I’m Wang Pockmark. I’m asking about my wife – when you love me, what will you call me?”

Luo Wanqing (crushing the cup in her hand): “Sorry, I don’t quite understand. I’ll confirm the information and get back to you. Please keep your line open.”

After hanging up, Luo Wanqing punched through the desktop.

Fang Zhi & Fang Yuan: “Sister, what’s wrong?”

Luo Wanqing: “Idiot!!!”

Later, when Luo Wanqing became a high official in the Supervision Department, whenever she wanted to punish someone, she would send them to Lingxi Pavilion to work as messengers.