◎Sisters Killing Each Other◎

Xie Heng was responsible for reviewing, while Cui Heng was responsible for teaching.

He would come every day only after the hour of Hai. The verdicts were decided one by one according to the laws recorded in the “Code.” When Luo Wanqing didn’t quite understand something, Cui Heng would carefully explain each clause to her.

When no explanation was needed, Cui Heng would help her write responses.

Half teaching, half writing like this, they had to work until late every night.

Sometimes when Cui Heng was tired, he would first rest on her bed to recover his energy, and when she didn’t understand something, he would get up to teach her.

After teaching for four days, Luo Wanqing successfully submitted the verdicts to Xie Heng. She delivered the verdicts in the morning, and by noon, Xie Heng had finished reviewing them all and summoned her.

When Luo Wanqing received the message, she immediately rushed to Xie Heng’s small courtyard to receive orders. As soon as she entered, she saw the doorway filled with top-tier experts.

Luo Wanqing took the memorial and returned to the mountain. Upon reaching the mountain, she saw the entrance filled with guards.

These people were not ordinary guards – each one carried the aura of a master in their every movement.

Having one or two masters occasionally might be normal, but a group of them appearing here was not ordinary.

Especially the middle-aged man standing at the entrance – Luo Wanqing could tell with just a glance that this person’s martial arts were superior to her own.

Luo Wanqing didn’t dare say much and waited in the courtyard with everyone else.

After waiting for a long time, there was finally a “creak” as the door opened, and a thin elderly man emerged from the room.

He didn’t look to be in good health. Though it was already summer, he still wore a light cloak over his clothes.

As soon as he emerged, all the attendants immediately tightened security, separating the surrounding people from him.

The middle-aged man who appeared most composed stepped forward and extended his hand for the elder to lean on.

The elder leaned on him while attendants helped him put on his shoes. He glanced at Luo Wanqing, then looked back toward the room and said indifferently: “Master Xie, we shall meet again another day.”

Xie Heng’s voice came from inside, neither warm nor cold: “Farewell, Prime Minister Wang.”

With that, everyone followed the elder as they left together.

After the group had gone far, the courtyard returned to its usual leisurely atmosphere.

Qingya got up and went into the room. Soon, Xie Heng’s voice came from within.

“Liu Xiniang, come in.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing walked in and bowed respectfully to Xie Heng.

Xie Heng looked down as he flipped through memorials, saying indifferently, “The verdicts you submitted today have no problems. The memorial requesting a public trial has also been sent to the palace today. His Majesty has already approved it. Tomorrow morning court, prepare yourself early.”

“Yes.”

Luo Wanqing answered casually, her gaze falling on a teacup nearby, her thoughts still on the elder who had just left.

Xie Heng saw through her thoughts and said directly: “That was Wang Shenfeng who just left.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing raised her head, knowing she hadn’t guessed wrong. She said directly: “He came to see the Young Master about the Eastern Palace case?”

“Naturally.” Xie Heng’s tone was indifferent. “He came to test the waters. I’ve already promised him that I won’t interfere in your affairs. The Supervision Department has its own way of maintaining balance. Liu Xiniang,” Xie Heng looked up and handed her the palace entry token, “tomorrow, morning court awaits you.”

Luo Wanqing looked at the palace entry token before her. With this token, Luo Wanqing could enter the palace for court at any time.

Seeing Xie Heng’s expression, she knew he had already anticipated that she might not be able to reach the palace in time tomorrow.

She hesitated for a moment, then reached out to take the token, couldn’t help but say: “Young Master… if I cannot enter the palace, what should be done?”

If she couldn’t enter the palace tomorrow, something must have happened.

Hearing this, Xie Heng showed no displeasure and only said: “Don’t you want to become a proper fifth-rank Chief Inspector?”

“Yes.”

“When this case ends, you’ll be promoted to proper fifth rank, as Deputy Chief of the White Tiger Division.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing was stunned.

“If one wants to make a name for themselves, they always need a stage,” Xie Heng said, looking up at her. “This opportunity – will you gamble on it?”

Will you gamble with your life?

Luo Wanqing understood Xie Heng’s meaning and realized the situation.

The Supervision Department wasn’t afraid of offending those noble families, nor did it have to maintain a balanced approach. Xie Heng had countless means to protect her, but he wanted to give her a stage, a ladder to success.

He wanted her to climb up alone from a desperate situation and make a name for herself throughout the Eastern Capital.

This was the opportunity Xie Heng was giving her.

If she were willing, she would accept it and gamble with her life.

“Why me?”

Luo Wanqing asked in confusion. The Supervision Department had many excellent Chief Inspectors, like Xing Ling and Cui Ziran. Why her?

“Not everyone can catch such tremendous fortune. If you can survive, then this is your opportunity. Otherwise,” Xie Heng turned his gaze and casually used his vermilion brush to write the character “death” on a document, saying indifferently, “This is just your death date.”

“This subordinate understands.”

Luo Wanqing smiled and bowed respectfully: “This subordinate will not disappoint the Young Master’s expectations.”

“Go then.” Xie Heng’s tone was indifferent, not at all like someone who might be bidding farewell tomorrow.

Luo Wanqing bowed and took her leave. When she walked out of Xie Heng’s room, she looked up at the brilliant sun on the mountain, lowered her eyes to look at the Xiling sword at her waist, reached out to gently flick it, and walked out with a smile.

In the afternoon, Zheng Biyue received news of tomorrow’s public trial at court.

When she received the news, Zheng Biyue was behind a screen, listening to someone respectfully reporting outside.

“She has had a private relationship with the Third Prince for a long time. The Third Prince now forbids others from touching her, and the two probably already have an understanding. Perhaps because of this, she deliberately offended you at the music competition, and now she’s privately contacting your second sister, obviously with ill intentions. We hope the young miss will be careful.”

Zheng Biyue listened to the other party’s words with a calm expression.

A quarter-hour earlier, she had been shopping on the street when she was approached by this person, who showed an Eastern Palace token and then lured her here using Liu Xiniang’s affairs.

She listened to the other party’s clichéd words and said slowly: “I already know everything you’re saying. You, a dignified Left Guard Commander of the Eastern Palace, called me here just to discuss these boudoir affairs?”

“Of course not.”

Zhao Bing smiled upon hearing this and said respectfully, “This humble one wishes to ask Miss Zheng for a favor.”

“What?”

“This morning, the Supervision Department submitted a memorial to the palace requesting a public trial of the Eastern Palace case tomorrow. We suspect this Liu Xiniang must have obtained some evidence unfavorable to us, so we’d like Miss Zheng to help us lure her out for a ‘chat.'”

Finally getting to the main topic, Zheng Biyue smiled, understanding what this “chat” meant. She wasn’t particularly worried and said slowly: “If she has evidence, there will be other Chief Inspectors even if you kill her. Why must you kill her?”

“Killing her serves two purposes.”

Facing the woman behind the screen, Zhao Bing patiently explained: “First, as a deterrent. Second, in court, is there any real justice? Xie Heng’s sudden request for a public trial probably isn’t aimed at closing the case, but at replacing people.”

“Replacing people?” Zheng Biyue asked curiously. “Replace what people?”

“After the public trial, if something happens to us, won’t our positions become vacant? Then he can smoothly install the people he’s prepared in advance into our positions. Wouldn’t that be much easier?”

“Then what use is killing Liu Xiniang?” Zheng Biyue sneered. “If she dies, the evidence remains. What’s the point?”

“Naturally, to buy time,” Zhao Bing smiled. “Xie Heng wants to catch everyone off guard. He’s prepared backup candidates, while others preparing on short notice definitely won’t be as suitable as his people. Then, trying to beat down Xie Heng’s people would be impossible. But if Liu Xiniang dies and the public trial is postponed, everyone will have more time to find suitable backup candidates, and even…” Zhao Bing spoke somewhat reluctantly, but still said: “Destroying the evidence isn’t without opportunity.”

Zheng Biyue understood their meaning and confirmed Zhao Bing’s thinking.

She contemplated and said, “But you said His Highness doesn’t allow people to touch her. If I get involved in this matter…”

“Miss, rest assured,” Zhao Bing immediately spoke earnestly. “This matter will not let the Third Prince know, and we will do our utmost to protect the miss’s safety. To be honest,” Zhao Bing lowered his voice, “we’ve already tested the waters tonight. Xie Heng has no intention of directly opposing everyone – this is just what His Majesty requires. The Supervision Department will not protect Liu Xiniang. Tonight, we six brothers are uniting with our trusted allies, plus eleven families’ death warriors, ready to mobilize at any moment. To kill one Liu Xiniang,” Zhao Bing smiled, “is more than sufficient.”

Hearing Zhao Bing’s words, Zheng Biyue finally felt reassured.

She thought for a moment and nodded: “Then when does the lord think is suitable to act?”

“Tonight,” Zhao Bing tapped the table. “Miss, please arrange the time and place.”

“Then,” Zheng Biyue smiled, “I’ll set out tonight at the fourth quarter of the ugly hour. Purple Cloud Mountain bamboo house – I’ll wait for her there.”

After settling the arrangements with Zhao Bing, Zheng Biyue went straight home.

As soon as she returned to the Zheng residence, she went directly to Zheng Jinxin’s room.

“Jinxin.”

She called out from the doorway. Zheng Jinxin was startled.

Zheng Biyue smiled slightly: “Have you been in contact with Miss Luo recently?”

“Some… somewhat.”

Zheng Jinxin stammered.

“Then let’s go tonight.”

Zheng Biyue spoke, and Zheng Jinxin was stunned.

Zheng Biyue directly set the time: “Tonight at the ugly hour, we’ll leave the residence together. I’ll personally go see her.”

After speaking, without waiting for Zheng Jinxin’s agreement, Zheng Biyue turned and left.

Zheng Jinxin sat in her seat, collected herself for a moment, then immediately instructed her maid: “Quickly, go to the Supervision Department and tell Liu Xiniang. Tonight at the fourth quarter of the ugly hour, meet at the Purple Cloud Mountain bamboo house.”

When Luo Wanqing received Zheng Jinxin’s message, Cui Heng was instructing her in swordsmanship. Zhusi delivered the note from the foot of the mountain to Luo Wanqing. After reading the content, Luo Wanqing frowned.

“What does it say?”

Cui Heng sat in the corridor, took a sip of wine, and seeing Luo Wanqing’s expression, said directly: “What time tonight?”

“Fourth quarter of the ugly hour, Purple Cloud Mountain. She says she’ll find a way to keep Zheng Biyue’s guards at the foot of the mountain, have me deal with them cleanly before going up to the bamboo house. She’ll prepare evidence of Zheng Biyue’s wrongdoing for me, but requires that I go up the mountain at the fourth quarter of the ugly hour.”

Luo Wanqing put away the note and said calmly, “But I need to go early. She probably reported the time late and plans to do something to Zheng Biyue. I need to go watch.”

“Good.”

Cui Heng stood up and said naturally, “I’ll go with you.”

This surprised Luo Wanqing. She turned to look at him and couldn’t help saying: “The Young Master said the Supervision Department won’t intervene with me.”

“But I will,” Cui Heng smiled, speaking frivolously. “You’re the person who’s supposed to set up a memorial tablet for me. I can’t let you die.”

Luo Wanqing paused. Cui Heng chuckled: “Just kidding.”

Then, Cui Heng became more serious and only said: “I have some personal grudges. Tonight I’m also going to seek revenge.”

After speaking, without giving her a chance to refuse, Cui Heng headed down the mountain: “Let’s go.”

The two went to the armory to prepare. Cui Heng wore plain clothes and a mask, lazily following behind her.

Luo Wanqing glanced at him and couldn’t help saying, “Not bringing any weapons?”

“Weapons?”

Cui Heng thought for a moment, casually picked up a soft sword, put it in his sleeve, and smiled: “Enough.”

Cui Heng’s martial arts were extraordinary. She still hadn’t measured his true strength, but since he only took one soft sword, he must have had his confidence.

Luo Wanqing stopped worrying about him. After equipping herself properly, she took her Qianji bracelet and walked out with her sword.

When late night arrived, Luo Wanqing rode out of the Supervision Department first, while Cui Heng followed behind her like a shadow.

The Supervision Department always traveled like this, split into front and rear groups. Especially for Shadow Envoys and Chief Inspectors – the Shadow Envoy was responsible for clearing the Chief Inspector’s tracks and preventing people from following, and could also call for reinforcements in case of emergencies. The Chief Inspector was responsible for leading and scouting ahead, fighting and killing in front.

This was Luo Wanqing’s first time having this experience – she didn’t need to worry about what was behind her at all, as someone followed all the way to clean up.

Sometimes she couldn’t help but look back, and when the person using qinggong in the night sensed her gaze, he would look up and smile.

While the two were traveling rapidly through the night, Zheng Biyue was also making all her preparations.

“Have all the families been notified?”

Zheng Biyue strapped on her sleeve arrows.

The mute maid beside her read her lips and gestured: “All families received the message long ago and have made arrangements. The Eastern Palace’s Six Commands will arrive on time at the ugly hour.”

“They didn’t tell Li Guiyu, did they?”

Zheng Biyue put a gem-encrusted dagger in her sleeve.

The maid nodded and gestured: “All families know the Third Prince has feelings for Liu Xiniang, so they didn’t tell the Third Prince.”

“Good.”

Zheng Biyue turned around and went directly to Zheng Jinxin’s room. Pushing the door open, she saw Zheng Jinxin grooming herself. Seeing Zheng Biyue arriving two quarters early, Zheng Jinxin couldn’t help but panic and quickly said, “Sister?”

“Let’s go.”

Zheng Biyue spoke. Zheng Jinxin frowned: “Isn’t it supposed to be the ugly hour?”

“I want to finish early and sleep early,” Zheng Biyue tilted her head. “Is that not allowed?”

Zheng Jinxin paused. She didn’t dare say more, afraid of exposing herself, and hesitated: “Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

Zheng Biyue turned and led Zheng Jinxin out.

Zheng Jinxin hesitantly followed Zheng Biyue out, getting into the carriage together. Zheng Jinxin observed the people Zheng Biyue had brought, pressed her lips together, seeming somewhat worried.

Zheng Biyue’s sudden advance made her somewhat panicked, but she quickly calmed down and thought of solutions.

Originally planning to leave at the ugly hour and arrive at Purple Cloud Mountain at the third quarter of the ugly hour, her prepared people were already waiting on the mountain. She had notified Liu Xiniang to go up the mountain at the fourth quarter of the ugly hour, so when Liu Xiniang arrived, she would just catch Zheng Biyue in the act.

But now Zheng Biyue was two quarters early, creating an extra two quarters of time.

This would certainly add some variables, but fortunately, Liu Xiniang should arrive early at the foot of the mountain. If something happened, she could call for help.

Zheng Jinxin calculated, and after a while, she contemplated: “What does sister plan to do when meeting Luo Wanqing tonight?”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

Zheng Biyue sneered as she looked over. “Just take care of yourself.”

“Sister, I want to remind you that those guards of yours might not be reliable.” Zheng Jinxin wiped her face with a handkerchief and reminded: “I saw that guard who was riding earlier talking privately with the Third Prince.”

This made Zheng Biyue pause. Zheng Jinxin seemed casual: “Sister and the Third Prince are going to grow old together in the future. It’s better if His Highness doesn’t know about such things.”

“You know what I’m going to do?”

Zheng Biyue smiled.

Zheng Jinxin looked up: “We’re all sisters – who doesn’t know what the other is thinking?”

“Why stop pretending?”

Zheng Biyue was curious. “Continue pretending you don’t know anything.”

“I can’t keep Luo Wanqing anymore. I want to use this matter to ask my sister for compensation. Sister shouldn’t refuse.”

“Speak.”

Zheng Biyue said directly. Zheng Jinxin looked up and said calmly: “I want to marry into either the Wang or Xie family. A branch family is fine, but I must be the primary wife.”

“You know how to dream.”

Zheng Biyue scoffed.

“Then, being a side consort to the Third Prince is also acceptable.” Zheng Jinxin said calmly, “I’m willing to serve His Highness together with my sister. Of course, if there could be another prince, that would be even better.”

“Zheng Jinxin,” Zheng Biyue looked at her with appraising eyes, “you are just like your lowly mother.”

“But I still have the Zheng surname,” Zheng Jinxin smiled slightly upon hearing this, showing no anger at all, and said indifferently: “No matter how lowly my mother was, I’m still a daughter of the Zheng family. If father weren’t unwilling to plan for me, I should have married into the Wang or Xie families as a primary wife. Sister should consider my suggestion. As long as sister agrees, tonight I’ll work with sister, and absolutely won’t let this matter leak the slightest bit.”

Zheng Biyue said nothing. Zheng Jinxin observed her expression and only said, “Sister needs to think clearly. Now the Third Prince values the Zheng family, but when he no longer needs the Zheng family in the future, what will matter is the relationship between you and him. Without Luo Wanqing, you are naturally his childhood sweetheart who supported him with all your might – a unique favor. Even if he doesn’t love you, no other woman could compete with you. But with Luo Wanqing alive, it’s different. She accompanied him for a full five years during his most destitute time. Old sword, deep affection – think of Xu Pingjun.”

Hearing Zheng Jinxin’s words, Zheng Biyue’s heart suddenly stabbed with pain.

Li Guiyu’s way of looking at Liu Xiniang – if just a similar person was like this, what about the real one?

Thinking of these things, even knowing Zheng Jinxin was setting a trap for her, she couldn’t help but become angry.

Whether Liu Xiniang or Luo Wanqing, she wouldn’t let them live.

And this Zheng Jinxin – she wouldn’t let her live either.

“I agree to your terms.”

Zheng Biyue spoke calmly. “As long as I succeed tonight and you keep your mouth shut, I’ll find a way to have you marry into at least a Wang or Xie branch family as the primary wife.”

“I thank my sister for this. But sister must also be careful,” Zheng Jinxin glanced at the guards outside the carriage, “don’t let your side leak first and then blame me.”

“I won’t.”

Zheng Biyue spoke with certainty.

The two sisters fell silent. After waiting for a long time, the carriage stopped. The two got out one after the other. Zheng Jinxin pointed up the mountain: “There’s a bamboo house up there. I rented it for her to recuperate. Just follow the stone steps up.”

“You all stay here.”

Zheng Biyue instructed the guards who had come along and stepped up the mountain.

Zheng Jinxin’s expression turned cold as she held up a lantern: “Sister, follow me.”

With that, the two sisters walked up the stone steps together. Zheng Jinxin held the lantern as they walked in the night, saying slowly: “Sister, tell me – you’re someone who deceives superiors and subordinates, bullies the weak and fears the strong, and is two-faced, so how have you maintained such a good reputation all these years?”

“Because I do deceive superiors and subordinates and bully the weak and fear the strong,” Zheng Biyue responded mockingly. “I won’t touch a finger of people I shouldn’t bully. The people I bully are all naturally born. Even if I step on their faces or kill them, they can’t say a word. What’s wrong with humiliating such people?”

Hearing this, Zheng Jinxin couldn’t help but grip the lantern handle tightly. Zheng Biyue said casually, “And why are you only talking about me? Is your sister any different?”

“After all, we’re family sisters.”

Zheng Jinxin smiled, then said: “So I’ve never understood – we’re all sisters, why has sister always been so harsh toward me? We should support each other most of all.”

“It’s you who needs support, not me,” Zheng Biyue hit the nail on the head. “I don’t need your support. I have my full sisters and brothers. You and I are worlds apart – where’s the mutual support?”

“Sister has always looked down on me.”

Zheng Jinxin led her to the bamboo house and raised her hand to push open the door.

Zheng Biyue followed behind her. After entering the house, Zheng Jinxin pointed to the bed and said calmly, “Miss Luo, are you asleep?”

Zheng Biyue walked forward, and after just a few steps, heard the sound of a lock clicking behind her.

Zheng Biyue instinctively sensed something was wrong. She turned around and saw Zheng Jinxin standing by the door, looking at her coldly: “Do you still look down on me now?”

Zheng Biyue said nothing. The curtain behind the bed opened, and a man stepped down from the bed, walking toward Zheng Biyue.

Zheng Biyue looked at Zheng Jinxin with mocking eyes and only said, “I look down on you even more now.”

Zheng Jinxin’s face changed slightly as she shouted: “Grab her!”

As soon as the words fell, the man lunged at Zheng Biyue from behind. Zheng Biyue turned directly around, and just as the man was about to tackle her, her arrow shot straight through his head.

Blood splattered out. Zheng Biyue hastily blocked it with her sleeve and quickly stepped back.

The man crashed to the ground with a “clang.” Zheng Biyue showed disgust and only said, “Disgusting!”

Zheng Jinxin’s eyes widened in shock. Zheng Biyue turned back to look at her and laughed: “You think I’m stupid? You want me to come, so I come?”

Zheng Jinxin couldn’t speak. She looked at the blood on the ground and said tremblingly: “You… you killed someone…”

“Yes, I killed someone.”

Zheng Biyue smiled as she walked toward Zheng Jinxin. “What did you think I came to do? Let me tell you, I came specifically to kill. Originally, with clan protection, I couldn’t kill you. But since you attacked me first, you can’t blame me, can you?”

“You did this on purpose?”

Looking at Zheng Biyue’s expression, Zheng Jinxin suddenly realized.

Zheng Biyue had discovered it long ago, but she still pretended to fall for the trap and followed her here.

Zheng Biyue came to kill her!

“Yes, I was planning to kill Liu Xiniang anyway, might as well bring you along. I left early just to save time to kill you. Anyway, I killed your mother, so you can die by my hand too.”

“My mother?”

Zheng Jinxin looked at Zheng Biyue in shock. Zheng Biyue smiled and said casually: “Your mother was just like you – lowly but with a seductive face. When your mother gave birth, father even forgot my birthday. Isn’t that an unforgivable sin?”

Zheng Biyue walked up to Zheng Jinxin with a cold expression: “So when she was giving birth, I added safflower to her medicine. She indeed hemorrhaged and died. Such a fragile life.”

Hearing Zheng Biyue’s words, Zheng Jinxin couldn’t believe it: “Just for such a trivial matter, you killed her?”

“Didn’t you also want to ruin me today just to marry well?” Zheng Biyue scoffed. “Why pretend to be noble?”

“Then why did you still come?” Anger and pain intertwined. Zheng Jinxin laughed angrily: “Weren’t you afraid I’d call several more men to completely ruin your reputation…”

“That’s why I say you’re stupid,” Zheng Biyue interrupted her. “A woman’s chastity only threatens her life when she has nothing else. Tonight, not only can your people not touch a finger of mine, but even if they did, you’d be the ones to die. Father would spare no effort to protect my reputation, and Li Guiyu,” Zheng Biyue sneered, “even if I had a child in my belly, he’d still marry me. The future might be uncertain, but as long as there’s power, there are ways out. If you had come to kill me tonight, I’d respect you a bit more. But unfortunately, you—”

Before she finished speaking, Zheng Jinxin suddenly pulled out a hairpin and stabbed it at Zheng Biyue.

Zheng Biyue’s face instantly turned cold as she grabbed Zheng Jinxin’s hand and said in a low voice: “You dare?!”

“I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!”

Zheng Jinxin gripped the hairpin and wildly stabbed at Zheng Biyue like a madwoman. Zheng Biyue held her hand tightly as they wrestled, pushing against the tea table and rolling to the ground.

Zheng Jinxin used all her strength. Zheng Biyue was pinned beneath her, dodging left and right, until the hairpin fell hard and stuck into the ground. Zheng Biyue quickly seized the opportunity and, just as Zheng Jinxin pulled out the hairpin, stabbed a knife into her abdomen.

The pain restricted Zheng Jinxin’s movements. Zheng Jinxin’s eyes widened. Zheng Biyue snatched her hairpin and pushed her hard to the ground, crawling up in panic, gritting her teeth: “Still want to kill me?! You bitch, you dare try to kill me?!”

With that, Zheng Biyue rushed forward and viciously scratched Zheng Jinxin’s face with the hairpin, roaring: “Go die!”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Xie Heng: “Who are you calling wife?”

Cui Heng: “Chief Inspector Liu! Zhang Yiran has been calling Chief Inspector Liu’s wife for a month!”

Xie Heng: “…”

Cui Heng: “Quick, junior brother, stab him, poke him, treat him the same way you treat me, kill him!”

Xie Heng: “You explain this.”

Cui Heng: “Huh?”

Xie Heng: “Why did you cause them to be paired together?”

Cui Heng: “What?! You’re asking me about this, too?!”

[Mini Theater 2]

Xie Heng: “Lost myself in the calls of ‘my lord,’ completely forgetting what I was angry about. With one call of ‘Heng Lang,’ I can’t even sleep anymore – such a sweet burden.”