◎If You Don’t Care About Me, Why Call for Me◎

When Luo Wanqing emerged from Xie Heng’s room, Xing Ling had already gone down the mountain.

Zhusi approached and said gently, “Inspector Liu should return to rest for now. Tomorrow, the Young Master will have someone notify you of the result.”

Luo Wanqing nodded her thanks, though she already knew the outcome in her heart.

Perhaps because she was certain the case had fallen into her hands, the gloom she’d felt when coming up the mountain had largely dissipated. She smiled at Zhusi, bid her farewell, and returned to her room on her own.

As soon as she left Xie Heng’s small house, Qingya stepped inside. He swept his gaze over the floor, knelt on the ground, and said gently: “I thought you intended to give the case to Xing Ling.”

“What makes you think so?”

Xie Heng withdrew his gaze from where Luo Wanqing had been sitting. Qingya smiled: “Inspector Liu won quite beautifully.”

“As she should,” Xie Heng smiled slightly. “If she lacked talent, I wouldn’t have personally tested her back then.”

“Then why the additional test?” Qingya seemed puzzled.

Xie Heng tapped the table lightly, saying slowly: “If I hadn’t added a test, the department would harbor great hostility toward her. When someone advances too quickly, someone needs to suppress them a bit.”

Upon hearing this, Qingya understood Xie Heng’s intention. If Luo Wanqing couldn’t outperform Xing Ling in every aspect and relied solely on martial force, it would be better for her to honestly work under Xing Ling for a while longer.

But now Xie Heng had still given her the case. Qingya couldn’t help but be curious: “What did she answer?”

“She said,” Xie Heng raised his hand to support his forehead, closing his eyes with a smile, “she would clear out the positions of the Eastern Palace Six Rates for me.”

Hearing this, Qingya was stunned.

After thinking for a moment, he smiled and nodded: “Indeed clever.”

Then Qingya sighed: “What a pity for such a beautiful woman to be injured like this today. I saw how she looked at Xing Ling’s Jiuqu sword—she was quite envious.”

Xie Heng heard his hint but didn’t respond.

Qingya asked carefully: “It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen Shadow Envoy Cui, hasn’t it?”

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng raised his eyes, parted his thin lips, and simply said: “Get out.”

Returning to her room and completely relaxing, Luo Wanqing suddenly felt pain throughout her entire body.

Xing Ling’s sword wind had cut several small wounds on her. Though not serious, they indeed stung fiercely.

These wounds were too small for her to bother treating. Feeling completely exhausted like she’d fallen apart, she didn’t want to clean up either. She simply kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the bed to sleep.

She slept in a daze, seemingly having dreams in the middle of the night.

Vaguely hearing some sound, she struggled to open her eyes but felt extremely drowsy. After struggling for a long time, she finally managed to open a crack.

She only saw a shadow—someone in a white wide-sleeved shirt, long hair half-bound with a red ribbon, wearing a silver-white pendant pearl mask. Their entire being seemed bathed in moonlight, like an immortal entering her dreams.

Cold fragrance approached. Luo Wanqing couldn’t move. She felt like she was deeply trapped in an inescapable dream.

She forced herself to watch him sit down, mumbling: “Cui Heng?”

The other person paused but made no sound, only taking medicine from a medicine box, turning to carefully apply it to her wounds, checking her pulse for a moment, confirming nothing was wrong, then preparing to get up and leave.

But as soon as he moved, Luo Wanqing suddenly reached out, weakly grasping his sleeve with feeble strength, murmuring: “Don’t go.”

Xie Heng didn’t turn back. He held the medicine box, pressing his lips together without speaking.

After waiting a long time, until he heard her breathing deepen, knowing the calming incense had fully taken effect, he finally closed his eyes and sat down in self-reproach.

As soon as he returned, Luo Wanqing seemed to sense it. Her breathing relaxed completely, her grip loosening somewhat.

Xie Heng sat with his back to her at the bedside, listening to her breathing. He endured for a moment, then finally turned to look.

She hadn’t changed clothes today. Her exposed skin showed blues and purples. She lay curled up on the bed, her injured hand gripping the corner of his garment, like an unwanted kitten—pitiful and adorable.

He watched quietly for a while, then raised his hand to her neck.

Her neck was slender, appearing particularly fragile in his palm. He unconsciously applied pressure, lowering his body to stare at her intently: “If you don’t care about me, why call for me?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t know if she heard, but her eyelashes trembled lightly, as if somewhat aggrieved, and she called out again: “Cui Heng.”

This voice was different from usual—soft and tender, like acting spoiled, making one’s ears tingle: “You’ve returned.”

Xie Heng paused, his fingers relaxing somewhat.

These words warmed his heart, smoothing out the sour wrinkles one by one.

He raised his eyes to the wound on her face.

After looking for a long time, he finally raised his hand, gently brushing over her wound, lowering his head in defeat.

“Forget it.”

His tone softened as he straightened up, removing her outer clothes, taking off her socks, arranging her hair, and finding a comfortable position to settle her on the bed.

Then he pulled up the blanket to cover her.

After doing all this, his breathing was slightly disordered. Knowing he couldn’t stay longer, he got up to leave, only to discover his sleeve was still in her hand.

Xie Heng laughed in exasperation. He gripped his sleeve, lowered his head close to her face, and threatened hoarsely: “If you don’t let go, don’t you dare cry.”

With that, he yanked his sleeve forcefully. This time, Luo Wanqing truly couldn’t hold on.

The sleeve broke free from Luo Wanqing’s hand. He straightened up and left somewhat disheveled.

Luo Wanqing slept extremely well. When she woke the next day, she felt very comfortable. Looking at the wounds on her hands, she saw they had all been treated. Connecting this with her vague impressions from the night, she immediately realized Cui Heng must have come.

She hurriedly got out of bed and ran out barefoot, circling the corridor completely, but seeing no one in the vicinity.

Last night felt like a dream. She couldn’t help feeling somewhat disappointed. Returning to her room in confusion, she sat blankly for a while, then heard footsteps outside.

Luo Wanqing turned back hopefully, only to see Baili standing at the door holding a blade.

Luo Wanqing was stunned, then quickly composed herself, respectfully saying: “Master.”

“You seem very disappointed?”

Baili looked her up and down, seeing her emotional change, and said with a smile: “Who did you think I was?”

“I…” Luo Wanqing wanted to cover up, but Baili said directly: “Shadow Envoy Cui?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing froze.

Baili entered holding the blade, teasing her: “You can’t even distinguish footsteps. Seems you’re thinking of him too much.”

Knowing she couldn’t deceive Baili, Luo Wanqing changed the subject: “Does Master know he’s returned?”

“He came back last night.”

Baili glanced at the incense burner with calming fragrance beside her bed: “But left again.”

“I see…” Luo Wanqing nodded, watching Baili smile at her the whole time. Only then did she focus on the blade Baili was holding: “What’s this?”

“Finally asking?”

Baili smiled and handed her the blade: “This is your reward. Yesterday, you defeated Xing Ling, and your blade broke. The Young Master decided to give you the case and had me bring this blade.”

Luo Wanqing was stunned, looking down at the blade in her hands.

“Take it.”

Baili urged. Luo Wanqing took the blade from Baili’s hands. It was a ring-pommel sword, straight and long, with a circular end. The scabbard was white, inlaid with blue crystals, particularly brilliant in the sunlight.

Luo Wanqing drew the blade. As soon as it emerged, she felt piercing cold light, making the room grow cold.

The blade was silver-white and bright, with a blue crystal line down the middle dividing it in two, reflecting Luo Wanqing’s face. Both the blade and the person were startlingly beautiful.

“This blade is named ‘Xiling,'” Baili explained. Forged from cold iron and crystal stone, with sharp edges and a resilient body. In terms of hardness, it’s unmatched in the world. More importantly, this blade is extremely light.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked over. Baili smiled: “Your blade technique is too fierce, winning through force. By logic, it should be clumsy, yet you don’t sacrifice speed. This way, you can only work on the blade’s weight to maintain your speed without reduction. The blade must be extremely hard to ensure it doesn’t break under great force. Cui Heng searched for this sword for a while—it wasn’t easy to find. I hope you’ll treasure it well.”

Listening to Baili’s words, Luo Wanqing knew that although Xie Heng had Baili deliver this blade to her, it was Cui Heng who had specifically found it for her.

Xing Ling had Jiuqu given by Xie Heng; she now had Xiling given by Cui Heng.

Yesterday’s slight dissatisfaction vanished completely, and she no longer felt Xie Heng was unfair.

“Master.”

Luo Wanqing turned to look at Baili seriously: “Thank you for bringing the blade.”

“Only thanking me?” Baili raised an eyebrow.

“Of course not,” Luo Wanqing said somewhat embarrassedly. “Cui Heng… when I see him next time, I’ll thank him personally.”

“Good,” Baili thought for a moment, then said: “May 17th is his birthday. Why not celebrate it for him?”

Not expecting to learn Cui Heng’s birthday from Baili, she was momentarily at a loss.

Then she reacted, hurriedly saying: “Good, thank you for the reminder, Master.”

“Don’t tell others.”

Baili added seriously.

Birthday information was too private. If discovered, it might reveal Cui Heng’s identity.

Since Cui Heng was unwilling to show himself, he naturally had his concerns. She immediately said, “Yes, I won’t let anyone discover it.”

“Then go. You need to take over the Eastern Palace case today. Yesterday I had Old Liu…” Baili paused, then coughed somewhat embarrassedly and corrected: “I had Manager Liu instruct Fang Yuan to notify everyone to wait for you in the Tianzi Council Chamber today. Go ahead.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing didn’t delay. After seeing Baili off, she quickly washed and went down the mountain. She grabbed a bun from the dining hall on the way and headed straight to the Tianzi Council Chamber.

When she arrived at the council chamber, not everyone had arrived yet. Only the three Fang brothers sat inside early. Seeing her enter, Fang Yuan immediately greeted: “Inspector Liu.”

Luo Wanqing smiled at the three. Fang Yuan beckoned: “Come, take the head seat.”

“Fang Yuan, you’re too kind.” Luo Wanqing felt somewhat embarrassed.

Fang Yuan immediately said seriously, “Inspector Liu, listen to me. Now isn’t the time for courtesy.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing paused, then said seriously: “Speak.”

“Inspector Liu, let me be honest with you,” Fang Yuan lowered his voice, glancing at Fang Zhi and Fang Shun beside him, who pretended not to listen, whispering: “Your qualifications are too shallow, you’re too young. Though you defeated Inspector Xing Ling, many people still don’t accept you. We three brothers know your abilities, but others don’t necessarily. Today, you absolutely cannot show weakness—you must display some authority. If you can’t control everyone, you won’t be able to handle this case.”

“I understand.”

Luo Wanqing had anticipated this result yesterday and nodded: “Thank you.”

“These are the case files for the Eastern Palace remnants case. You can look through them now—you must finish reading them today.” Fang Yuan tapped the thick stack of files on the table, then said: “Yesterday, Inspector Cui was ambushed while catching human traffickers. Though Inspector Cui had an incident, we caught quite a few people yesterday. Today you can have us stay in the Supervision Department to interrogate people, but starting tomorrow, how to investigate this case—you need to have a plan.”

“Good.”

Luo Wanqing nodded. Fang Yuan checked the time outside, then said: “They’ll arrive in half an hour. You should quickly go through the case first.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing said nothing more and began rapidly reading through the files.

She had always been extremely fast at reading medical texts. Now with the case files in her hands, she flipped through them quickly.

Fang Yuan and Fang Zhi, and Fang Shun were discussing interrogation matters. After discussing for a while, when he turned back, he saw that Luo Wanqing had read almost everything.

“Finished reading?”

Fang Yuan was somewhat shocked. Fang Zhi and Fang Shun both looked over. Luo Wanqing nodded: “Finished. I have a general idea.”

The cases involving the Eastern Palace weren’t actually complex, just appearing chaotic because they involved many different cases. Generally speaking, it all revolved around one word: “money.”

The Eastern Palace’s expenses were enormous. The Crown Prince’s stipend alone couldn’t support them. From the account books confiscated from the Eastern Palace and comparing with existing account books, there was a large sum of money whose origin couldn’t be traced.

Where this money came from—once clarified, they could determine who the so-called “remnants” were and how many charges the Eastern Palace faced.

The previous three Inspectors had all followed this approach. They had accomplished much, roughly understanding the sources of the Eastern Palace’s income.

Li Shangwen’s money mainly came from three sources: bribery from local officials, the Eastern Palace’s private assets, and illegal businesses.

The Eastern Palace’s private assets weren’t much—land granted by the Emperor provided only a small portion of the Eastern Palace’s annual income.

But the Eastern Palace’s illegal businesses were extremely complex.

Starting from the most basic human trafficking—ordinary people sent to the borders as slaves, beautiful ones sent to brothels, then having brothel girls accompany clients to gambling houses, and when gambling wasn’t enough, offering loans…

These were the smallest businesses, but with extremely high profits.

Li Shangwen used protecting them as leverage to invest in various industries, taking annual percentages of revenue.

Essentially, it was no different from bribery and corruption.

But unlike bribery and corruption, those involved in bribery were mostly serving officials.

Li Shangwen’s Eastern Palace gathered people from major noble families. They were more or less connected to Li Shangwen, all seeking merit for supporting the dragon. Therefore, Eastern Palace officials were mostly from prominent families, difficult to offend them.

Illegal businesses involved mostly servants and lower classes, relatively easy targets.

So during this period, these three Inspectors had investigated cases related to illegal businesses.

Even so, three Inspectors had still died consecutively.

If they touched the true core elements of Li Shangwen’s faction, they would surely face even more frenzied retaliation.

To reduce obstacles, she couldn’t make a big show and alert the opposition to her true purpose. She had to lower their guard, making them think she was a fence-sitter like the Imperial Investigation Bureau. Only then would she have more opportunities to gather evidence. Then she needed a key figure—a core witness connecting all cases. Strike the snake at its vital point for certain success.

And this person…

Luo Wanqing went through all the related figures in the files and made her decision.

Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor, Lu Lingchan.

The Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor managed all Eastern Palace affairs. This Lu Lingchan had been Li Shangwen’s childhood study companion with a deep friendship. Many matters were handled by him. From existing clues, he was the hub of the entire Eastern Palace operation—connecting with the powerful above, managing illegal businesses below. If they could control him, everything else would follow.

The only problem was his extremely high birth weight. His grandfather, Duke An’guo, had distinguished military achievements and considerable influence in the army. Imprisoning him wouldn’t be easy—they needed sufficient evidence to withstand pressure from Duke An’guo’s mansion.

Luo Wanqing pondered, suddenly remembering something, and looked at Fang Yuan: “Fang Yuan, how did the previous three Inspectors meet with incidents?”

“The first was ambushed on his way home, the second was poisoned while eating noodles alone, and as for Inspector Cui, he learned from experience not to act alone, but was still ambushed during a mission.”

“Why were they ambushed?” Luo Wanqing asked keenly.

Fang Yuan was stunned. Luo Wanqing continued pressing: “Did they know your movements in advance?”

Only with advanced knowledge could they set up ambushes.

Fang Yuan thought, then realized: “Right, how did they have so many people waiting for us?”

Just as he finished speaking, voices came from outside. Luo Wanqing looked up to see people entering. These people varied in age and gender, gradually filling in with nearly thirty people. Some greeted her, others acted as if she didn’t exist.

Luo Wanqing said nothing, waiting until Xing Ling finally entered.

As soon as she entered, everyone stood up, all respectfully saying: “Inspector Xing Ling.”

Xing Ling nodded, then glanced at Luo Wanqing without speaking, and sat in the first seat to Luo Wanqing’s left.

Only after she sat did everyone else sit.

The three Fang brothers looked somewhat awkwardly at Luo Wanqing, but she said nothing. She knew these people were trying to intimidate her.

Though she had defeated Xing Ling yesterday, it didn’t mean these people accepted her.

People needed not only martial force but also to see one’s temperament. An undrawn blade had no value—these people were testing her today.

She didn’t say much, turning to glance at the door and saying gently: “Close the door.”

At these words, no one moved.

Then a square-faced man stood up, laughing: “Ah, I’ve been getting fat lately. I should exercise more. I’ll close it.”

“Thank you.” Luo Wanqing turned back smiling, greeting the man.

The man beamed, hurriedly saying: “Inspector, I’m called Zhao Sanhu. You can call me Huzi.”

“Good, I’ll remember.”

Luo Wanqing nodded, and the man quickly returned to his seat.

Others glared at him, but Zhao Sanhu snorted coldly and ignored them.

After Zhao Sanhu sat down, Luo Wanqing began her gentle introduction: “Everyone, I’m the new supervisor for the Eastern Palace case, Liu Xiniang. This is our first meeting—I hope for your continued support.”

“Good, good, good.” Zhao Sanhu and Fang Yuan supported Luo Wanqing from both sides. Nearby, Fang Zhi kicked Fang Yuan, who quickly gave Luo Wanqing an apologetic look and fell silent.

Luo Wanqing smiled unconcernedly, then said: “Since this is everyone’s first meeting, let’s introduce ourselves—consider it getting acquainted. Starting from,” Luo Wanqing turned to look at Xing Ling, “Inspector Xing Ling?”

Hearing this, Xing Ling didn’t make things difficult, saying calmly: “Xing Ling.”

With Xing Ling speaking, everyone else relaxed. After a round of introductions, Luo Wanqing roughly remembered thirty people and exchanged pleasantries, warming the atmosphere somewhat.

After talking for a while, Xing Ling grew impatient and urged, “Let’s discuss the case.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing nodded, then said: “I’ve read through the case and know everyone is very capable. We’ve caught quite a few people now—today, let’s first interrogate those captured human traffickers.”

“What after the interrogation?”

“My thinking is this,” Luo Wanqing turned to look at Xing Ling, discussing: “The traffickers provide downstream contact lists, we follow up to arrest people from brothels, gambling houses, and loan sharks, rescue the common people, and that should close the case. This way we save people, keep ourselves safe, and have something to report upward. What does everyone think?”

Hearing Luo Wanqing’s words, no one present spoke, looking around as if they hadn’t understood her.

Xing Ling looked up at her and said directly: “High officials and nobles, prominent family sons—we won’t touch them, right?”

“Correct.”

Luo Wanqing nodded with a smile, as if worried everyone didn’t understand, explaining in detail: “Starting today, no matter what information we get from interrogations, no matter who we uncover, as long as they’re from prominent families with roots and backing, we’ll cross out their names and pretend we don’t know.”

“Inspector Liu,” Xing Ling looked at her coldly, “not reporting discoveries violates regulations.”

“Then report to me, and I won’t report up. Punish me if needed.” Luo Wanqing turned to look at Xing Ling seriously: “I’ll ensure everyone’s safety.”

“So we have a big shot here, knowing the official way above and the underworld below,” came a mocking voice from the crowd. Luo Wanqing recognized it as an Inspector named Sun Shangquan. Seeing Luo Wanqing look over, he said respectfully: “I’ll follow Inspector Liu’s instructions.”

“Thank you.” Luo Wanqing pretended not to understand his mockery, turning to ask: “Everyone thinks there’s no problem?”

Hearing this, Xing Ling stood up directly, kicked Luo Wanqing’s chair forcefully, and walked out.

Luo Wanqing sat in place, forcing out a smile. Just as she was about to speak, the chair shattered into pieces.

Luo Wanqing maintained her sitting posture in a horse stance, while everyone else said nothing and simply stood up, leaving one by one.

Seeing everyone walk out, Luo Wanqing hurriedly called: “Remember to come to the council chamber at the same time tomorrow for discussions!”

No one responded to her.

Fang Shun walked past Luo Wanqing, sighing: “Inspector Liu, you… alas!”

Then Fang Zhi passed by, saying coldly, “Inspector Liu, this is inappropriate.”

Finally Fang Yuan walked past, holding back for a long time before only saying: “Forget it, we’re friends.”

With that, Fang Yuan also left. Only Luo Wanqing remained in the room. She grew cold, turned to scan the remaining people in the room, thought for a moment, then went to find Cui Ziran.

Cui Ziran had awakened from his serious injuries and was somewhat surprised to see her: “You are… the Inspector who saved me that day?”

Luo Wanqing nodded, then sat down seriously: “Inspector Cui, I want to ask you a question.”

“Please speak.”

“On the day you were ambushed, which Inspectors did you tell about the mission location in advance?”

Luo Wanqing asked Cui Ziran in detail about the events before and after his incident, and the people involved, then bid him farewell.

After leaving, she went to find others.

Then she returned to the dungeon to find Zhao Sanhu.

Zhao Sanhu was interrogating someone. Seeing Luo Wanqing, he quickly said: “Inspector Liu?”

“I came to check on you.” Luo Wanqing smiled: “Thank you for helping me out today. They all ignored me—fortunately, you were there.”

“Inspector Liu is too kind.”

Zhao Sanhu blushed at Luo Wanqing’s praise, then quickly arranged a chair, beckoning to Luo Wanqing: “Please sit. I’ll interrogate while you observe.”

“Alright.”

Luo Wanqing sat down and said gently: “Just interrogate casually, no need to work too hard. This is just going through the motions anyway—this concerns the Emperor’s son, would His Majesty really want to investigate thoroughly?”

“You’re absolutely right.”

Zhao Sanhu nodded, flattering: “The previous Inspectors just weren’t as clear-thinking as you. Even the Imperial Investigation Bureau can slack off—why should our Supervision Department step forward and take risks?”

“Smart.”

Luo Wanqing praised him and chatted casually with Zhao Sanhu.

They talked until night. Zhao Sanhu casually interrogated some things, then left with Luo Wanqing.

After Zhao Sanhu left, Luo Wanqing went to the criminal holding room under Xing Ling’s supervision. The criminals inside were barely breathing, and Xing Ling had stacks of transcripts beside her. Seeing Luo Wanqing enter, Xing Ling looked up: “What do you want?”

“Please help me with something.”

Luo Wanqing walked to Xing Ling’s side, lowering her voice: “Help me transfer Zhao Sanhu’s prisoners over so I can question them.”

She had played the good person in front of Zhao Sanhu, so it wasn’t convenient for her to take action herself. She needed to use Xing Ling’s name to question them again.

Zhao Sanhu’s method wouldn’t extract anything useful.

Xing Ling glanced at her without saying much, then went to transfer the prisoners.

After dragging the prisoners over, Xing Ling washed her hands: “I’m leaving.”

Only Luo Wanqing remained in the room. She looked back at the prisoners, then nodded: “My apologies.”

Soon, screams echoed from the torture chamber. In less than half an hour, Luo Wanqing emerged, washing her hands clean.

Her interrogation skills were taught by Cui Heng, and she had become increasingly proficient.

Thinking of Cui Heng, Luo Wanqing looked down at her sword and smiled before returning to the mountain.

She bathed, then sat at her desk to see Zhuisi perched at the window again. She stroked the eagle’s head, sat by the window, and began writing another letter to Cui Heng.

“Knowing you came last night but we couldn’t meet, I feel especially regretful. If there’s a next time, don’t hesitate—please wake me.”

After writing this, remembering what Baili said about his birthday, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help smiling and continued: “We’ve known each other for so long, yet I’ve never prepared a gift for you. I don’t know what you like—could you tell me?”

After finishing, Luo Wanqing tied the note to the eagle and sent it back.

As Luo Wanqing’s eagle flew away, in Prince Guang’an’s mansion, people knelt all over the floor.

Li Guiyu sat high up, his hand supporting his chin, lightly tapping his jaw, listening to the oldest among the Eastern Palace Six Rates, Left Guard Commander Zhao Bing, who knelt on the ground: “Now that the Seventh Prince has passed away, you are our new master. We hope that after Your Highness enters the Eastern Palace, you will take good care of us.”

“That’s easy to say,” Li Guiyu’s index finger lightly tapped his jaw as he looked at those kneeling, speaking leisurely: “But the prerequisite is that you must survive until that day.”

“We share honor and disgrace with Your Highness,” Zhao Bing smiled. “Your Highness will surely protect us. This time, we were able to severely wound Cui Ziran entirely thanks to Your Highness’s extraordinary methods.”

“General Zhao is too kind.”

Li Guiyu’s expression grew colder. He straightened up and said slowly, “As a prince who recently returned to the Eastern Capital, there’s not much I can do for the generals. These are all your achievements. However, I heard the Supervision Department has assigned another Inspector. What do you plan to do?” Li Guiyu raised an eyebrow: “Kill again?”

“Your Highness need not worry about this.” Satisfaction appeared on Zhao Bing’s face: “According to our informant, the new supervisor for the Eastern Palace case has finally learned to be smart. She knows when to stop, so naturally we won’t cause more trouble.”

“That’s good.”

Li Guiyu nodded. After killing three Inspectors, the Supervision Department had finally calmed down somewhat.

He thought for a moment, then looked up: “Which Inspector is it?”

Such a person, if he could befriend them and support their promotion within the Supervision Department, would be very convenient in the future.

However, this thought had barely formed when he heard Zhao Bing say: “Liu Xiniang.”

Li Guiyu froze, raising his eyes and saying coldly: “Who?”

Zhao Bing sensed something was wrong and repeated in confusion: “Liu Xiniang.”

As this name appeared, everyone in Prince Guang’an’s mansion showed surprised expressions, all looking toward Li Guiyu.

Li Guiyu fingered the jade thumb ring in his hand. After a long time, he chuckled softly.

“Watch her.”

Li Guiyu pondered, giving cold instructions: “This person is untrustworthy. Watch her closely. If there’s any unusual movement,” he turned to look at Zhao Bing, “I’ll personally come for her.”

Luo Wanqing slept well, and when she woke the next day, she saw Zhuisi perched at the window again.

This time Cui Heng had replied to her letter, simply saying: “Whatever you give, all brings joy.”

Seeing Cui Heng’s reply, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help smiling.

She didn’t know if it was because Cui Heng had replied or because of what he said.

She put away the letter and went down the mountain in good spirits, then led everyone: “Yesterday’s interrogations yielded some information. These human traffickers have accomplices—let’s go round them up and rescue the common people.”

“Yes.”

Everyone rose lazily. Xing Ling swept her gaze over them and said coldly: “Hurry up!”

Hearing this, everyone daredn’t relax and quickly got moving.

Luo Wanqing watched with a smile as everyone put on soft armor and weapons. Luo Wanqing wrapped Qianji around her hands, then led them straight to the suburban hideout uncovered in last night’s interrogation.

Reaching the suburbs, Xing Ling raised her hand and waved. Everyone immediately moved forward to surround the compound.

After preparing, Xing Ling gave Luo Wanqing a look. Luo Wanqing immediately stepped forward to knock on the door.

But she had barely touched the door knocker once when everyone showed shocked expressions.

Xing Ling simultaneously stepped forward and kicked open the main door, shouting: “Supervision Department making arrests—everyone get down!”

With that, the Supervision Department people streamed in, while the opponents were already startled and fled toward the inner rooms.

Xing Ling entered with her hand on her sword, glaring hard at Luo Wanqing: “Something wrong with your brain.”

Luo Wanqing stood at the entrance, paused, then touched her nose.

Lesson learned—can’t knock on doors in the future.

Having grasped this experience, when they went to another hideout in the afternoon, Luo Wanqing took the lead ahead of Xing Ling, kicking open the main door and shouting: “Supervision Department making arrests—everyone get down!”

With Xing Ling backing her up, although Luo Wanqing appeared lazy, their team was even fiercer than before.

Within seven days, Luo Wanqing had raided five human trafficking hideouts, sealed three brothels, and four gambling houses. They freed over three hundred people, accepted seventeen prostitutes’ complaints, and hundreds of injury cases stemming from debt collection.

Their achievements were remarkable, shaking the streets and alleys of the Eastern Capital.

During this time, the Imperial Investigation Bureau finally closed the Crown Prince assassination case, claiming it was done by mountain bandits.

This might fool the public, but the palace probably didn’t believe it. However, since the case was closed, there would be no further investigation, so Luo Wanqing felt relieved.

Later, she heard Zhang Yiran had been transferred, apparently from the Ministry of Works to the Censorate, which put her final worries to rest.

She knew what Zhang Jiuran had worried about most in life was her mother and younger brother. Now her affairs hadn’t affected Zhang Yiran, and Zhang Yiran seemed to have gained the Emperor’s favor because of this. She thought Zhang Jiuran could rest in peace.

Luo Wanqing continued listening to Eastern Capital gossip while handling cases.

The case progressed smoothly, advancing unusually quickly.

But though she was aggressive, unlike the previous three Inspectors, she hadn’t encountered any serious assassination attempts throughout.

She devastatingly handled the cases. In less than ten days, Luo Wanqing had completely cleaned up the Eastern Palace’s illegal businesses, arresting the last loan shark and imprisoning him. At the morning meeting, she happily told everyone: “Starting today, we can begin preparing to close the case.”

No one spoke. The three Fang brothers looked around, Xing Ling kept a cold face without speaking, and most Inspectors also observed their surroundings. Only Zhao Sanhu and a few Inspectors who usually liked to slack off joined Luo Wanqing’s celebration: “Excellent! After working so hard for so long, we can finally rest.”

“Everyone doesn’t need to be busy today either. Rest up—I’ll prepare the judgment documents. If anything comes up, I’ll notify everyone.” With that, Luo Wanqing waved: “Everyone may go back first.”

“Inspector Liu.”

Hearing Luo Wanqing’s words, Fang Zhi finally couldn’t help but speak. He looked up at Luo Wanqing seriously: “This case should continue to be investigated.”

Luo Wanqing looked up questioningly. Fang Zhi pressed his lips: “You’ve seen it too—the number of victims in this case. Just talking about the human trafficking cases, those women and children who were kidnapped and stolen away from their families, their lives ruined by these people, beaten, abused, even killed—such tragic conditions, didn’t the Inspector see?”

“I saw,” Luo Wanqing nodded, then asked back: “So didn’t we arrest all those human traffickers, killers, and brothel madams?”

“But what about the masterminds behind it?” Fang Shun also couldn’t contain himself, looking up at Luo Wanqing: “Why were they able to commit crimes for years? Who was protecting them? Directing them? Didn’t you hear what the madam from Yanzi Pavilion said? She was originally a woman sold into the business. Because reporting to officials was useless, she was forced to become a new madam manager to survive. Aren’t those so-called ‘people above’ the most detestable?”

Luo Wanqing remained silent. After a moment of silence, she forced out a smile: “I can understand everyone’s indignation, but we’re just ordinary people who learned some martial arts—let’s not think too highly of ourselves. Let’s leave it at that. Everyone rest, I’ll write up the judgment and apply for more bonuses from the department…”

Before she could finish, there was a “bang” as Fang Zhi slammed down his cup, saying only: “I cannot participate in this.”

With that, he turned and walked out.

Once Fang Zhi left, everyone gradually stood up and left as well.

Soon, only Xing Ling and Zhao Sanhu’s group remained. Xing Ling sat motionless as Luo Wanqing looked her over: “Inspector Xing Ling?”

“You get out.”

Xing Ling looked up at Zhao Sanhu and the others.

Zhao Sanhu hesitantly glanced at Luo Wanqing. Luo Wanqing nodded, so Zhao Sanhu smiled and quickly left.

When only Xing Ling and Luo Wanqing remained in the council chamber, Xing Ling looked up at Luo Wanqing and said coldly: “This case—you’re certain you won’t handle it?”

“Correct.” Luo Wanqing nodded: “Close the case like this.”

“Then give me the case.” Xing Ling said directly, “If you’re afraid, I’ll do it.”

“That won’t work,” Luo Wanqing shook her head. “I need to get promoted.”

“Then I’ll handle the case, and you get promoted.” Xing Ling gritted her teeth.

Luo Wanqing continued waving her hand: “That won’t work either. If you handle the case, in outsiders’ minds it’s the same as me handling it. In the end, they’ll still want to kill me.”

“Liu Xiniang!”

Xing Ling’s Jiuqu sword was suddenly drawn. Luo Wanqing’s blade instantly blocked Xing Ling’s attacking sword.

“Don’t be impulsive,” Luo Wanqing smiled as she reminded: “Inspector Xing Ling, accept your loss gracefully.”

“I originally thought you would handle the case properly,” Xing Ling trembled with anger, gritting her teeth: “I didn’t expect you to be such trash!”

Luo Wanqing said nothing. Xing Ling turned, sheathed her sword, and strode outside: “I’m going to see the Department Head.”

“Why must you handle this case?”

Luo Wanqing sheathed her sword and turned, somewhat puzzled.

Xing Ling faced away from her, saying quietly: “Cui Ziran was the person who guided me when I entered the Supervision Department.”

This made him half a master to her. Seeking revenge for her teacher was understandable.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing played with the Qianji in her hands, thinking for a long time before saying quietly: “Wait until tomorrow to come back.”

Hearing this, Xing Ling turned back in confusion.

Luo Wanqing smiled: “Tonight, I’m going to find Wang Linchun.”

Wang Linchun was one of the corrupt officials in the case. Hearing that Luo Wanqing was going to find Wang Linchun, shock and hope appeared in Xing Ling’s eyes.

Luo Wanqing smiled, stood up, and walked out, waving: “See you tomorrow.”

With that, she left the courtyard.

She went one by one to find the three Fang brothers and Zhao Sanhu, giving each of them a completely different name of a corrupt official, notifying them that she would take action tonight, then left.

After finishing notifying Zhao Sanhu, she finally rested. Only then did she realize it was already May 16th—after tonight passed, it would be Cui Heng’s birthday.

She had written to him asking if he would return tomorrow, but he hadn’t replied.

But whether he came or not, she was prepared.

During this time, she had specifically gone to Zhenbao Pavilion and used all her saved monthly salary to commission a white jade crane hairpin, which she could pick up today.

Thinking of this, Luo Wanqing changed into a water-blue dress, wore the hairpins Cui Heng had sent during this period, dressed as an ordinary woman, then went to the Xuanwu Department to use her salary to get a short flute for sending messages, then headed to the Censorate office.

Arriving at the Censorate, she had someone find Zhang Yiran and report her name, asking Zhang Yiran to come see her.

She stood at the Censorate entrance waiting. Soon, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

Luo Wanqing turned to see Zhang Yiran rushing out of the main gate. The moment he saw Luo Wanqing, his eyes showed amazement, and he instinctively said: “Qing…”

He instinctively wanted to call her previous false name from when she was at the Zhang mansion, then realized and quickly bowed: “Inspector Liu.”

“Long time no see.”

Luo Wanqing smiled, looking at his crimson official robes and saying gently, “I heard of Master Zhang’s promotion but was too busy to congratulate you properly. Please don’t take offense.”

“No problem.”

Mentioning the promotion, Zhang Yiran felt somewhat embarrassed and quickly said: “Inspector Liu, is there urgent business?”

“Nothing major,” Luo Wanqing glanced at the office building, then said: “I just wanted to ask if Master Zhang has time?”

“Yes,” Zhang Yiran nodded, then said: “Wait a moment, I’ll go request leave.”

Without waiting for Luo Wanqing to say more, Zhang Yiran hurried through the main gate.

Seeing Zhang Yiran request leave without hesitation, the guards at the entrance couldn’t help showing surprised expressions, looking Luo Wanqing up and down.

Luo Wanqing embarrassedly touched her nose and turned to look at the street.

After waiting a while, someone shouted: “Master Zhang Yiran!”

Hearing this call, Luo Wanqing knew Zhang Yiran was coming. She instinctively turned back to see a crowd of officials standing in the courtyard, craning their necks to watch the excitement.

As Luo Wanqing turned, she heard someone in the crowd gasp.

Zhang Yiran emerged wearing dark blue casual clothes, steeling himself as he walked out and said quietly: “Let’s go.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t understand why so many officials had come but nodded in confusion and followed Zhang Yiran outside.

After the two disappeared, the Censorate immediately became lively.

Someone couldn’t help sighing: “Such beauty-no wonder even Master Zhang is enchanted.”

Author’s Notes:

[Mini Theater] Xie Heng: “I’m angry, about to turn dark, I’m super scary, I just won’t go see her, and if I do see her, it’s to get angry, I…” Luo Wanqing: “Cui Heng, medicine packet.” Xie Heng: “…Xiniang, you’re so good.”