[1]

“Today’s Musical Gathering draws all the prominent noble families of the Eastern Capital. You must follow behind Miss and not overstep your bounds in the slightest. If you bring any shame to Miss, our madam will hold both you and your parents accountable. Do you understand?”

The carriage swayed as the maid sitting across from Luo Wanqing repeated the day’s precautions once more, not forgetting to warn her again.

Luo Wanqing lowered her head in acknowledgment, but unease grew in her heart. She couldn’t help but glance once more beyond the carriage curtain, her anxiety becoming more apparent.

Seeing this, the maid across from her hesitated, then said with some sympathy: “However, you are a guest invited by Madam, and still quite young—you needn’t be too nervous.”

Luo Wanqing knew this was meant to comfort her and replied softly: “Thank you for your guidance, Miss Que.”

Receiving her response, the maid nodded and said no more.

Luo Wanqing touched the silver needles in her sleeve and took a gentle breath, trying to relax.

The Musical Gathering of the Eastern Capital—it was an elegant social event that every person in the Eastern Capital longed to attend. Unfortunately, the vast majority of children from humble families could only hear of it and yearn for it throughout their entire lives, never able to see it themselves.

She was merely the daughter of a retainer under the Cui clan. By status, she absolutely could not enter such a place, but she happened to benefit from the favor of Cui Qingping’s youngest daughter, Cui Xingcan.

Cui Xingcan had suffered from asthma since childhood and constantly needed physicians in attendance. Her mother was unwilling to let too many people know of this condition, so she rarely went out. This time, having reached the appropriate age and wishing to attend the Musical Gathering, the elderly female physician who usually attended her would be too conspicuous accompanying her, so they began searching for female physicians closer to Cui Xingcan’s age.

This requirement was too demanding—there were few women who studied medicine to begin with, and to find one young yet with excellent medical skills was difficult. After searching high and low, they found Luo Wanqing.

Her grandfather had been the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, and her mother ran a medical clinic in the Eastern Capital. She had studied medicine since childhood, and though barely fifteen, she had already been consulting patients at her mother’s clinic with some reputation. Cui Xingcan had countless renowned physicians around her normally and was well-maintained, so there shouldn’t be any major problems. Emergency treatment was within Luo Wanqing’s capabilities. Thus, Lady Cui consulted with her parents and had her accompany Cui Xingcan to the Musical Gathering under the guise of being a friend.

Since the mistress made such a request, they naturally could not refuse.

Though Yao Zelan was quite worried, after repeated instructions, she still let Luo Wanqing go.

Although Luo Wanqing had consulted patients at the clinic with Yao Zelan for some time, this was her first time meeting someone of such high status. She couldn’t help feeling somewhat anxious. Following the maid in the guest carriage, swaying all the way, they finally arrived at the venue for the Musical Gathering.

This gathering was held at the Wang family’s villa. When the carriage stopped, the maid disembarked first, brought over the carriage step, and helped Luo Wanqing down.

After alighting, Luo Wanqing saw for the first time the young miss she needed to care for—Cui Xingcan. She had a delicate constitution, and though a year older, appeared about the same height. Her face was lightly made up but still looked somewhat frail. Seeing Luo Wanqing, she was quite courteous and said warmly: “Miss Luo.”

“I greet Third Miss Cui.” Luo Wanqing bowed to Cui Xingcan.

Cui Xingcan nodded and led Luo Wanqing into the courtyard. As they walked, she conversed with Luo Wanqing in a low voice: “I insisted on coming this time, which has troubled Miss Luo.”

Not expecting Cui Xingcan to be so modest, Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised. Her heart relaxed considerably as she replied softly: “Miss is of noble birth and naturally should go wherever she wishes. This humble woman will do her utmost best, so Miss may rest assured.”

Hearing this, Cui Xingcan’s eyes curved with a smile, though her gaze held some sadness. She only said: “With Miss Luo’s words, I can rest easy.”

With that, the two, along with the maid, reached the villa’s entrance. The maid presented their invitation, and the two entered the Wang villa one after the other.

The villa was already bustling with people. Cui Xingcan, being from the Cui clan and daughter of Cui Qingping, held considerable status. The Wang family servants led Cui Xingcan inside, introducing the villa’s scenic features as they walked.

This was Luo Wanqing’s first time seeing such a luxurious residence. They walked for quite some time without reaching the end. Partly shocked, she couldn’t help but observe carefully.

Along the way, Luo Wanqing kept hearing scattered mentions of “Seventh Young Master Xie” and “Xie Heng.” She was curious but dared not investigate further, only following along. After a while, the servant led Cui Xingcan into a guest room to be seated. After briefly explaining the day’s banquet schedule, the servant closed the door and left.

When only Luo Wanqing, Cui Xingcan, and her maid remained in the room, Cui Xingcan smiled and asked: “Did you hear them mention Seventh Young Master Xie earlier?”

Not expecting Cui Xingcan to bring this up, Luo Wanqing looked up in surprise. Cui Xingcan knew she had heard.

Her eyes revealed a pride she couldn’t suppress as she said: “That’s my maternal cousin. Today I came specifically to see him.”

Luo Wanqing blinked, puzzled. Cui Xingcan thought for a moment, dismissed the maid with a wave, then couldn’t help saying: “You don’t know who he is, do you?”

Luo Wanqing shook her head without concealment: “I don’t know.”

“Do you know the Xie family?”

Cui Xingcan continued questioning. Luo Wanqing paused, then said hesitantly: “The Xie clan of Lanling?”

Cui, Xie, Wang, and Zheng—these were Great Xia’s four most prominent families. Through hundreds of years of dynastic changes and several waves of different monarchs, these four families remained steady and secure. Even though she didn’t pay much attention to court affairs, she had heard of them.

Seeing Luo Wanqing knew, Cui Xingcan brightened and quickly said: “Yes, the Xie clan of Lanling! My maternal cousin is their seventh son, named Xie Heng. He’s especially amazing. When we were little, everyone else was too afraid to take me out to play, but he dared. He can fly—he grabbed me and we jumped right out!”

Hearing the words “can fly,” Luo Wanqing was momentarily stunned: “Can fly?”

Cui Xingcan nodded, her eyes lighting up: “Yes, he knows martial arts!”

“Oh,” Luo Wanqing realized, her eyes also showing some envy, “He knows martial arts.”

Cui Xingcan clearly worshipped this maternal cousin greatly and chattered on to Luo Wanqing about his life story.

He was born noble, the legitimate son of both the Cui and Xie families. From childhood he frequented the palace, and being handsome with quick wit, he was especially beloved by the Emperor, who openly called him half a son.

At eight, he entered the Dao Sect to cultivate on the mountain. Once he left, he rarely returned. The only two times he did return were also the two times Cui Xingcan was able to go out.

“Mother always worries about my health and never lets me go out,” Cui Xingcan’s eyes held some sadness, but she quickly brightened again, “Everyone fears Mother, but my cousin doesn’t. He took me over the wall at night, took me to buy candied hawthorns on the street. He’s such a good person.”

From Cui Xingcan’s words, Luo Wanqing formed a rough image of this person in her mind—probably somewhat mischievous.

After thinking, she couldn’t help asking: “Then do you like your cousin?”

This question startled Cui Xingcan, who quickly shook her head to explain: “No, no, no, he’s my elder brother, I…”

A blush rose on her face as she said somewhat embarrassedly: “I… I have someone I like.”

Not expecting Cui Xingcan to be so direct, Luo Wanqing froze, then said hurriedly: “I apologize, I didn’t know…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Cui Xingcan waved her hand, “You shouldn’t have known anyway.”

This made Luo Wanqing pause. Cui Xingcan stared at her blankly for a moment, then both girls couldn’t help but laugh.

“You…” Luo Wanqing asked carefully, “Who do you like?”

“I’ll tell you, but don’t tell anyone else,” Cui Xingcan said in a low voice, “I like a collateral member of the Xie family named Xie Yushu.”

Speaking of the person she liked, Cui Xingcan became eloquent.

She said he was a collateral branch of the Xie family. When she was young, Xie Yushu often brought her and other clan children to play.

That winter when she fell into the water, it was Xie Yushu who rescued her. From then on, she developed asthma and could no longer go out…

Her acquaintance with Xie Yushu was brief, but once she started talking, she couldn’t stop.

The two were similar in age, chatting back and forth, and quickly became familiar.

Cui Xingcan had few friends, and having found a peer like Luo Wanqing, she was extremely enthusiastic and quickly considered her a friend.

The two were chatting animatedly when a maid’s voice came from outside, saying softly: “Miss, the Musical Gathering is about to begin.”

Hearing this, Cui Xingcan pulled Luo Wanqing to her feet and said: “Come with me.”

This was indeed Luo Wanqing’s duty for the day. She followed Cui Xingcan out, wound around the corridor, and entered the courtyard.

From afar, Luo Wanqing heard the crowd’s laughter. Someone called out loudly: “Xie Seven, what piece will you play today?”

“The melody follows the heart’s mood,” replied the young man on the high platform, casually brushing his fingers across the strings, “I shall play…”

“Look! That’s my cousin!”

Cui Xingcan’s voice rang out simultaneously. Luo Wanqing instinctively looked up.

At that very moment, the young man heard the voice and turned his head.

In that sea of people, a face—cold yet tinged with youthful pride—suddenly entered her vision.

Their eyes met, and both paused.

The zither made a discordant sound. The young man, pretending to be composed, withdrew his gaze and said calmly: “The Beauty’s Song.”

[2]

That was the first time Luo Wanqing saw Xie Heng.

She had never seen anyone so stunning—so much so that in that first moment, she forgot to breathe.

When the piece finished and the young man descended with his zither, and Cui Xingcan tugged at her sleeve asking: “Isn’t my cousin amazing?”, only then did Luo Wanqing suddenly come to her senses and said, blushing: “Amazing.”

They were far from Xie Heng, yet the moment she spoke, his expression visibly relaxed somewhat.

With Xie Heng present, the championship of the Musical Gathering naturally fell to him, making everyone else pale in comparison.

After the zither competition ended, everyone dispersed, forming small groups with their friends, wandering through the gardens with no one paying attention to anyone else.

Cui Xingcan pulled Luo Wanqing around the courtyard’s small lake to a secluded spot. Looking at Xie Yushu drinking wine in the distant pavilion, she gazed for a long time before suddenly saying: “Wanqing, Mother says that after this year, I must marry.”

Luo Wanqing turned back questioningly and couldn’t help asking: “Is it to someone you like?”

“No.” Cui Xingcan spoke calmly, “It’s to his elder brother.”

Luo Wanqing paused. Cui Xingcan appeared unusually calm and only said: “Wanqing, do you know why I insisted on coming to the Musical Gathering?”

“Why?” Luo Wanqing sensed something was wrong.

Cui Xingcan pressed her lips together: “I wanted to see him once. I want to tell him clearly that I don’t want to marry his brother—I want to marry him.”

Luo Wanqing was stunned. Cui Xingcan reached out and grabbed Luo Wanqing: “I know this is wrong of me, but I have no other way. Wanqing, please help me. I’ve already sent someone to summon him. Just give me a little time, I beg…”

“What do you want me to do?” Luo Wanqing interrupted her.

Cui Xingcan hadn’t expected her to agree so easily and looked up in surprise.

Luo Wanqing looked at her calmly, as if understanding everything.

She glanced around, pulled Cui Xingcan into the shadows, removed her outer garment, and handed it to Cui Xingcan. Understanding her meaning, Cui Xingcan quickly removed her own outer garment and gave it to Luo Wanqing.

The two exchanged garments. Luo Wanqing said gently: “I’ll stand by the lakeside where we were earlier in your place. You must hurry.”

“I know.” Cui Xingcan’s eyes reddened, somewhat moved, “Wanqing… after tonight we’ll be sworn sisters. I…”

“Go.”

Luo Wanqing interrupted her, only saying: “Time is short. We’ll talk when you return.”

Cui Xingcan dared not delay. She nodded and hurried away.

After Cui Xingcan left, Luo Wanqing took a deep breath before walking out and returning to stand under the original tree, somewhat nervous.

Actually, from the beginning she had noticed that Cui Xingcan was being overly enthusiastic toward her.

But hearing Cui Xingcan’s request, she had no thought of refusing.

In truth, Cui Xingcan didn’t need to do anything—she would have helped her anyway.

To help a caged bird open its prison door—within her ability, she saw nothing wrong with it.

She stood under the tree waiting for Cui Xingcan to return, but before long, she suddenly felt a tremendous force from behind, shoving her violently into the lake!

The icy lake water flooded her mouth and nose. She immediately held her breath.

She couldn’t swim, but reason kept her as calm as possible. She struggled desperately in the water, holding her breath with all her might.

She felt her lungs about to burst inch by inch. Until the final moment, she felt her waist lighten as someone pulled her forcefully from the water.

The moment she surfaced, she gasped for air, struggling to open her eyes. Through the water’s haze, she saw a beautiful face bearing some surprise.

The other person, supporting her, landed on the shore, then flung something aside with the other hand—another person hitting the ground.

Luo Wanqing heard the sound of someone rolling on the ground. She turned to look and saw it was a young man.

That person was quite good-looking, but compared to Xie Heng, his face was ashen, clearly having choked on water.

Luo Wanqing instinctively rushed forward and rapidly pressed on his abdomen. Xie Heng, standing beside them, was shocked by her action, then heard the young man on the ground cough lightly. Seeing the young man’s complexion was wrong, Luo Wanqing quickly took his pulse. Finding his pulse chaotic, she drew out her needles and applied several needles to stabilize his meridians. Then she heard Xie Heng beside her say: “Are you planning to save him to live a hundred years?”

Luo Wanqing’s movements paused. Only then did she hear voices all around.

She finally realized what had happened.

She had fallen into the water and been rescued by a young man before everyone’s eyes.

In the Eastern Capital, for any respectable young woman, this was enough to ruin her reputation—unless that man was willing to marry her.

But the one who saved her was Xie Heng.

He was the most noble legitimate son of the Eastern Capital’s aristocracy. With his status, even daughters of ordinary noble families could only be his concubines. How could it be her turn to marry him?

But if he didn’t marry her…

Luo Wanqing’s mind went blank.

Seeing her expression, Xie Heng knew she had realized the situation. He took his outer garment and draped it over her, stepped forward, drew the sword from his waist, planted it in the ground, then said: “Hide in the cave.”

With that, he hoisted the young man from the ground onto his shoulder, touched his toes to the ground, and flew away.

The young man on his shoulder groggily opened his eyes and saw Luo Wanqing wearing Xie Heng’s garment, her eyes full of anxiety as she watched them leave.

The young man’s expression froze as he murmured: “Miss…”

[3]

Watching the two depart, with voices approaching, Luo Wanqing quickly turned into the cave, wearing Xie Heng’s garment, not daring to come out.

That Xie Heng gave her his garment should mean he would marry her.

But he could never make her his legitimate wife.

But to be a concubine…

Luo Wanqing bit her lower lip, unable to help gripping Xie Heng’s outer garment tighter.

Hearing voices outside, someone suddenly exclaimed: “This is Seventh Young Master’s sword!”

“Don’t go over, don’t go over.”

Someone blocked them, saying urgently: “Seventh Young Master placed his sword here. Given his temper, anyone who dares approach will invite disaster.”

Luo Wanqing listened to the voices, her heart pounding with nervousness, fearing the people outside would rush in.

After a while, Xie Heng’s voice came from outside: “What are you doing?”

“Seventh Young Master!”

Someone quickly said: “Someone fell into the water just now. We saw you rescue them and came to see.”

“Good eye.” Xie Heng’s voice was flat.

He seemed to walk to the cave entrance to retrieve his sword. Luo Wanqing heard his voice and her heart immediately settled. Then she heard Xie Heng say: “Since you’re here, let’s go look. The person is in the grove opposite.”

“You put Third Miss Cui down and left her?”

Someone asked doubtfully. Xie Heng chuckled lightly, his tone cold: “Who told you it was Xingcan?”

“Everyone saw…”

“Cousin?”

Cui Xingcan’s voice rang out. Everyone turned to see Cui Xingcan emerge from behind some branches with her maid. She looked at everyone questioningly: “What are you doing?”

Everyone looked at each other. Xie Heng regarded them all and reminded: “If you don’t go look, the person might really be gone.”

Hearing this, someone reacted and immediately rushed in the direction Xie Heng indicated.

Seeing people leave, Cui Xingcan was about to step forward when Xie Heng said: “Xingcan, you’re not well. Return to your room and have your friend treat you with acupuncture.”

Cui Xingcan’s steps halted. She immediately understood Xie Heng’s meaning, glanced at the path Xie Heng was blocking, and left with some hesitation.

After everyone had left, Xie Heng turned into the cave to look at the young woman, soaked through, wearing his garment.

Her form had not yet fully matured, but one could already glimpse her stunning beauty.

Xie Heng glanced once, then averted his gaze. He took a set of women’s clothing from his sleeve and handed it over calmly: “Change into this.”

With that, he turned and went outside. Luo Wanqing hurriedly changed clothes, then carefully walked out, handing Xie Heng his outer garment: “Young… Young Master Xie.”

“Are you calling me, or thanking me?”

Hearing her words as he took the outer garment from her, Xie Heng couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and smile lightly.

Luo Wanqing’s face reddened slightly, momentarily unsure how to respond.

Xie Heng then said: “You can’t stay here now. I need to take you away.”

Luo Wanqing nodded woodenly.

Xie Heng thought for a moment, worried she might not understand, and said directly: “May I carry you?”

Luo Wanqing looked up in shock. Xie Heng glanced at the bustling courtyard and added: “Or would you prefer to walk yourself?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing could distinguish priorities. She quickly shook her head and said in a low voice: “I’ll follow your lead, Young Master.”

Seeing this, Xie Heng used his garment to shield his hands and lifted Luo Wanqing horizontally into his arms.

Luo Wanqing’s entire body stiffened in his embrace, her heart racing. Then she felt his toes touch the ground as he carried her to higher ground.

They were very close. His heartbeat was steady.

Listening to his heartbeat, Luo Wanqing gradually calmed from her earlier panic.

She suddenly realized he had leapt so high with her, so far from people, so close to the moon.

She couldn’t help but look up at him, studying his features.

Noticing her gaze, the young man lowered his eyes questioningly: “What are you looking at?”

Luo Wanqing quickly withdrew her gaze and lowered her head.

Xie Heng raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. Carrying her while avoiding the crowd, he descended into the courtyard, squeezed her through a window into Cui Xingcan’s guest room, leaving only one sentence: “I’ll come find you tonight,” before swiftly departing.

His movements were too quick. Luo Wanqing couldn’t react to anything. By the time she became aware, Cui Xingcan had already opened the door and entered.

Seeing Luo Wanqing standing in the room, Cui Xingcan froze, then quickly rushed forward and threw her arms around Luo Wanqing, breathing heavily: “Thank goodness you’re all right. Just now I thought you fell into…”

Before finishing, she touched Luo Wanqing’s damp hair.

Cui Xingcan froze. Luo Wanqing grasped her hand and said calmly: “I did fall into the water, but Young Master Xie saved me.”

Cui Xingcan looked at Luo Wanqing in shock. Luo Wanqing said seriously: “But it’s fine. No one saw me.”

“You…”

Cui Xingcan hesitated without speaking. After a long while, she said in a low voice: “It’s all right. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

With that, she reached out to embrace Luo Wanqing, saying earnestly: “Wanqing, I’m sorry. I’ve harmed you.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t understand Cui Xingcan’s words, but Cui Xingcan said no more. She simply took a cloth herself and had a maid hold up a candle while she quickly dried Luo Wanqing’s hair and styled it into a bun before taking Luo Wanqing outside.

When Luo Wanqing went out, the Musical Gathering was nearly over. Flower lanterns hung in the courtyard. Cui Xingcan looked at the lanterns with considerable worry.

A Wang family maid led the two, having them select lanterns. As Luo Wanqing chose, she heard the maid say: “Tonight these lanterns may be given to today’s best musician or to one’s beloved. Both young ladies may give them to whomever you wish after selecting.”

Listening to this, Luo Wanqing saw a lantern painted with flying cranes. Instinctively recalling the young man playing the zither on the high platform, she reached out to take that Spirit Crane Lantern and carried it out with Cui Xingcan.

The two boarded the carriage. Throughout the ride, Cui Xingcan was preoccupied. Knowing she was anxious about today’s events, Luo Wanqing comforted her: “Xingcan, don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Cui Xingcan shook her head but said: “Wanqing, you don’t understand the twists and turns of noble families.”

Luo Wanqing paused. Cui Xingcan felt her words were too harsh and quickly added: “But rest assured, I will definitely protect you well.”

Luo Wanqing smiled and nodded: “All right, I trust you.”

With that, Luo Wanqing raised the lantern and waved: “I’ll see you another day.”

Cui Xingcan watched her return home. Luo Wanqing didn’t tell her family what happened today, only briefly mentioned the pleasant events before returning to her room.

After returning to her room, she placed the lantern on the windowsill and went to take a hot bath.

She wasn’t stupid. She understood Cui Xingcan’s words. These noble families were all shrewd people. Her falling into the water couldn’t be concealed, and this matter involved Cui Xingcan, Xie Heng, and that young man who fell into the water…

If she hadn’t misidentified him, that should be Third Prince Li Guiyu, who was also among today’s zither players.

Today his meridians were chaotic when he fell into the water and nearly drowned. Someone had pushed her into the water as well. No matter how one looked at it, this wasn’t an ordinary drowning incident…

Luo Wanqing pondered while drying her hair as she left the bathing room. Just as she reached the main room, she saw a young man sitting in a chair, propping up his head.

Luo Wanqing jumped in fright. The other person slowly opened his eyes, smiled, and said: “Miss Luo, pardon the intrusion.”

Hearing his voice, Luo Wanqing steadied herself and hurriedly returned behind the screen to get her outer garment, stammering: “Young… Young Master Xie.”

Hearing this form of address, Xie Heng laughed aloud.

After thinking, he only said: “Just call me Young Master. Every time it sounds like you’re thanking me. I haven’t done anything—hearing it makes me feel guilty.”

Luo Wanqing heard the teasing and dared not say more. She tied her sash before speaking: “What brings Young Master here?”

“I need to give you an explanation about tonight’s events.” Xie Heng’s tone became more serious as he said calmly: “I had people investigate. The person behind your falling into the water tonight wasn’t targeting you—it was Xingcan. You exchanged clothes with her, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” Luo Wanqing hesitated. “What did they originally intend to do?”

“Xingcan has reached marriageable age and is currently my uncle’s only daughter eligible for marriage,” Xie Heng explained in great detail. “My aunt originally wanted to betroth her to my elder cousin to strengthen ties between the Cui and Xie families, but Noble Consort Wang has also taken notice of Xingcan and is lobbying my uncle. Today, hearing that Xingcan was coming, they set this trap to push Xingcan into the water and have Li Guiyu rescue her.”

“But Third Prince…”

Luo Wanqing frowned. Xie Heng explained: “It just so happens he made an error in his recent cultivation practice. He was barely hanging on, pretending to be fine. Those who arranged this probably didn’t know his condition. After they pushed you into the water and saw him not moving, they deliberately pushed him too. As a result, once he entered the water, he sank directly. I saw you struggling from afar and happened to pass by, so I fished him out too.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s heart sank as she said: “Third Miss has asthma. What they did could have killed someone.”

“If she couldn’t become a daughter-in-law of the Wang family, what would it matter if she died?”

Xie Heng’s tone was cold, then softened somewhat: “But my cousin is safe now. For now, you should worry about yourself first. Tonight I promptly notified Xingcan to appear, so she has no suspicion. But everyone saw a woman fall into the water, and you disappeared for a while before changing clothes. Although there’s no concrete evidence, everyone can guess it was you.”

“This humble woman is merely a commoner…”

“Which is exactly why harming you carries no consequences.” Xie Heng propped his forehead, looking at her calmly. “Noble Consort Wang is someone who holds grudges. You’ve ruined her plans. If you’re just a commoner, she won’t let you off so easily.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing nervously gripped her sleeves: “What exactly… does Young Master want to say?”

“Right now I’m giving you two choices,” Xie Heng stood and walked before her, staring at her face. “I’ll send you to the Dao Sect to become my junior martial sister. From then on, these worldly rumors will have nothing to do with you.”

Luo Wanqing froze, looking up at Xie Heng. Then she saw him smile, straighten up, and say: “Or become my noble concubine. I’ll report to Mother when I return and come to fetch you another day.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s face paled slightly. Xie Heng’s expression cooled as he said calmly: “I cannot marry you. If I harbored thoughts of marrying you, tomorrow you would have to die.”

“I know.” Luo Wanqing nodded quickly and said: “I also have no… no intention of forcing Young Master to marry me because of this.”

“Then what do you choose?”

“I’ll go to the Dao Sect.”

Luo Wanqing immediately spoke, saying calmly: “As long as I can still be a physician, going to the Dao Sect is acceptable.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng lowered his eyes to look at her. After a long time, he said softly: “On Xingcan’s behalf, I apologize for involving you in these matters.”

“It’s all right,” Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, then smiled: “If I can find a good master and, as Young Master says, have nothing to do with worldly rumors, perhaps I might live even better?”

“You’re quite suited to my sect.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng smiled, then said: “Then it’s decided. Tomorrow I’ll have someone speak with your parents.”

Finishing, Xie Heng turned and jumped out the window. Seeing this, Luo Wanqing quickly called after him: “Young Master!”

Xie Heng turned back to see Luo Wanqing take the flower lantern from the window, light it, and hand it over sincerely: “Young Master’s zither music today was excellent. The night is deep and the road dark—please accept this lantern.”

Xie Heng looked down at the flower lantern, thought for a moment, then suddenly asked: “Are you unwilling to be a concubine, or unwilling to be my concubine?”

Luo Wanqing paused, then said calmly: “I don’t want to marry. If I were to marry, I would only want to marry someone devoted solely to me.”

“Understood.”

Xie Heng nodded, took the lantern from Luo Wanqing’s hand, turned with a smile and said: “If there’s an opportunity in the future, I’ll return a lantern to you, Miss.”

With that, Xie Heng departed carrying the lantern.

Luo Wanqing watched enviously as he crossed the high wall, carrying the Spirit Crane flower lantern, disappearing into the night.

[4]

Xie Heng did as he promised. The next day, someone came to her home to persuade her parents to let her enter the Dao Sect.

Entering such a prestigious sect was something many dreamed of. Luo Qushu and Yao Zelan discussed it all night. Finally, they came to ask Luo Wanqing’s opinion. Luo Wanqing nodded, and the family decided to personally escort Luo Wanqing to the Dao Sect.

Before the gossip in the Eastern Capital could fully spread, the Luo family left the Eastern Capital early.

The family escorted Luo Wanqing to the Dao Sect. At the entrance, sect disciples had Luo Wanqing bid farewell to her family, saying the mortal world did not ascend to the Dao Sect.

Luo Wanqing said goodbye to her family and followed the disciples up the mountain. Crossing through the Dao Sect’s main gate, she saw a young man in blue Daoist robes wearing a lotus jade crown, holding a whisk, standing before the gate with a smile in his eyes as he looked at her.

Luo Wanqing froze. Everyone bowed to the young man, respectfully saying: “Eldest Senior Brother.”

Xie Heng flicked his whisk, turned toward the mountain gate, and said in a drawn-out tone: “Little Junior Sister, follow me.”

Luo Wanqing followed Xie Heng into the Dao Sect in bewilderment. Under Xie Heng’s guidance, she met people, and with his introduction, she was accepted as a disciple under a female Daoist who practiced medicine.

Xie Heng accompanied her for several days, showing her around the Dao Sect. Afterward, he said: “From now on you’ll study medicine here. I won’t interfere further.”

“Yes.”

Luo Wanqing knew that Xie Heng’s companionship these days was probably to compensate for what Cui Xingcan had done. She dared not say more, only: “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Hearing her call him Senior Brother, Xie Heng smiled, then said: “I’ll probably return next year. If there’s anything you want, you can tell me.”

Luo Wanqing looked up blankly. Xie Heng said seriously: “I haven’t yet given you an initiation gift. You may request one.”

“I…” Luo Wanqing thought confusedly, then said instinctively: “I want a zither.”

“A zither?”

Xie Heng raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised, then smiled: “That’s easy. I have quite a few zithers. I’ll select a good one another day and have it sent up the mountain.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother.” Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes without saying more.

Xie Heng turned and descended the mountain.

From that day on, Luo Wanqing remained at the Dao Sect.

Her master was a female Daoist who practiced both medicine and sword. Thus, she taught her the same way—starting from the basics, studying sword during the day and medicine at night, getting injured during the day and treating injuries at night.

At first she was confused, not understanding why she had to study both medicine and sword. It wasn’t until she went down the mountain with her master to see patients and her master knocked down a patient’s family member who tried to attack her with one sword strike, calmly telling her “See? This is why physicians must study martial arts,” that she finally understood her master’s meaning.

In the past, when her mother encountered such patients, she could only spend money to appease them. But her master could beat them until they paid compensation.

She earnestly studied medicine and sword arts under her master. At year’s end during winter snow, Xie Heng came up the mountain.

He brought letters from Cui Xingcan and her parents, as well as the zither he had promised her.

“Originally I planned to just pick one to give you.” Xie Heng handed her the zither, smiling: “But thinking this was a gift for my junior sister, I couldn’t be careless, so I made one for you.”

Luo Wanqing stared blankly at Xie Heng, taking a long time to react.

She reached out to receive the zither, treasuring every stroke across its surface as she said softly: “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

“But why did you think to ask for a zither?” Xie Heng was somewhat puzzled.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment and said in a low voice: “I’ve always only known medicine and nothing else, so I wanted to learn an instrument but didn’t know what. At the Musical Gathering, seeing Senior Brother play the zither so beautifully, I thought I’d study the zither.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng understood her meaning and raised an eyebrow: “Since Junior Sister praises me so, shouldn’t I properly teach Junior Sister?”

“Would that be all right?”

Luo Wanqing looked up in delighted surprise. Xie Heng’s expression grew warmer: “Of course it’s all right.”

With that, Xie Heng stepped inside, raising his hand: “Follow along.”

Those few days, Xie Heng taught her the zither properly. He also tested her sword skills, then examined all his junior martial siblings’ studies before descending the mountain.

Seniority in the Dao Sect wasn’t determined by time but by strength.

Xie Heng was the strongest among his peers, so though young in age, he was the revered Eldest Senior Brother.

When he descended the mountain, Luo Wanqing sent him off with everyone else.

At that time, snow covered everything white. Luo Wanqing watched his blue robes as he descended the mountain alone, feeling that image was engraved in her eyes.

After that, every year she waited for Xie Heng.

She didn’t know if she was waiting for the letters from her parents that Xie Heng brought, or for Xie Heng himself. She only anticipated it day by day, then when he came, gazed from afar. Only in those moments when he gave her guidance could she draw a bit closer.

In the winter of her twenty-first year, Xie Heng did not come up the mountain.

She suddenly woke at midnight with heart palpitations. After waking, she rushed to find her master, but just reaching the door, she heard her master arguing with the Sect Leader.

“A’Heng is your disciple. If something happened to him, won’t you intervene?”

“Qinghong, mountain people don’t interfere in matters below the mountain. He’s trapped on a battlefield, not in the jianghu. The Dao Sect cannot interfere.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing gripped the sword at her waist outside the door.

That night, carrying her sword, stepping through the white snow, she quietly descended the mountain just as Xie Heng had done.

[5]

Only after reaching the mountain’s base did she learn what had happened over these years.

Cui Qingping promoted the Great Xia Code. Xie Heng rose to Minister of Justice, becoming Cui Qingping’s right hand. The Emperor passed away, the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the Wang and Zheng clans rebelled, Xie Heng was ordered to quell the rebellion and was trapped in Tancheng.

Luo Wanqing followed the news all the way to Tancheng. By the time she arrived, a great battle had already ended.

Corpses lay everywhere. She searched through the bodies one by one for two days, her voice hoarse from calling out. Finally, she uncovered from the pile of corpses a face so covered in blood its features were nearly unrecognizable. She wiped away the filthy blood with her sleeve, recognized the face, and quickly took his pulse. Discovering a thread of breath remaining, she immediately channeled her inner energy into him, fed him life-sustaining pills, then extracted him from the corpse pile and ran frantically toward inhabited areas with him on her back.

She ran halfway when Xie Heng groggily opened his eyes. He saw an exquisitely beautiful face like fine porcelain. After long scrutiny, he finally recognized her and said with a smile: “Little Junior Sister?”

“Don’t speak.”

Luo Wanqing, tears in her eyes, told him to be quiet. Xie Heng had no strength anyway. He leaned against her back as she carried him, fleeing for their lives. He seemed to remember something, slowly closed his eyes, and sighed softly: “Qingqing.”

Luo Wanqing ran frantically for a long time when a group of soldiers suddenly charged from ahead.

Surrounded by soldiers, Luo Wanqing stopped in her tracks. With Xie Heng on her back, she gripped her sword warily. Then she saw a young man on horseback emerge from the crowd. Seeing Luo Wanqing, he froze.

Luo Wanqing stared fixedly at him. She recognized this as Li Guiyu, son of Noble Consort Wang.

Seeing her, Li Guiyu’s gaze fell on Xie Heng’s face.

After a moment’s hesitation, he said gently: “Miss Luo, I was commanded by His Majesty to quell the rebellion.”

“Let me pass.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t dare trust him, her hand remaining on her sword.

Li Guiyu hesitated, then looked again at Xie Heng and frowned: “I can let you pass, but if you leave, I fear Lord Xie won’t last long.”

Luo Wanqing froze.

Li Guiyu’s gaze moved to Luo Wanqing’s face as he said gently: “I have the best medicine here. Soldiers can immediately set up camp. Miss Luo, whether Lord Xie lives or dies—you must choose.”

She had no choice.

Xie Heng couldn’t endure much more jostling. As a physician, she knew this better than anyone.

She bit her lip and only said: “I trouble Your Highness for shelter.”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu smiled lightly and nodded: “Naturally.”

He did as promised, immediately ordering camp to be set.

Obtaining shelter, Luo Wanqing laid Xie Heng down, requested medicine, clean water, bandages and other needed supplies, and personally bandaged Xie Heng’s wounds.

Fearing Xie Heng would be in pain, she kept feeding him anesthetic powder. Xie Heng slept for over ten days while she kept watch for over ten days.

During this time, Li Guiyu came to see them, keeping watch over Xie Heng with her while chatting.

“Six years ago, I remember you.”

Li Guiyu smiled while grinding medicinal ingredients for her: “You saved me then. I had wanted to find you, but by the time I learned your identity, you had already gone to the Dao Sect.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised, then quickly said: “Saving people is one’s duty.”

“But to still think of saving people at that moment wasn’t easy.”

Li Guiyu said gently: “Your pure heart, Miss, is something I had never seen.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing only said: “There are many good people in this world. Your Highness simply hasn’t encountered many.”

“Actually, Miss didn’t need to go to the Dao Sect back then.” Li Guiyu poured the ground medicinal ingredients into a bowl. “The imperial family differs from these aristocratic clans—we don’t place such emphasis on status. At that time, I could have made a marriage proposal to the Luo family…”

—

“What are you talking about?”

Xie Heng’s voice suddenly came. Luo Wanqing froze, then hurriedly stood, overjoyed: “Senior Brother!”

Xie Heng propped himself up, coldly raising his eyes toward Li Guiyu sitting not far away.

Luo Wanqing reached Xie Heng’s side, took his pulse, and asked urgently: “Senior Brother, do you feel unwell anywhere?”

Xie Heng didn’t speak, only staring at Li Guiyu: “Why is Your Highness here?”

“This prince was ordered to quell the rebellion and reinforce Lord Xie,” Li Guiyu smiled slightly, stood, and explained: “On the road, I encountered Miss carrying Lord Xie. Knowing Lord Xie had already quelled the rebellion, I temporarily set up camp and waited with Miss for Lord Xie to awaken.”

“Her surname is Luo.” Xie Heng spoke coldly. “You may call her Miss Luo.”

Li Guiyu froze, only then realizing his form of address was somewhat strange. He then said: “My apologies. For some reason, it felt natural to call her that.”

“Men and women should maintain proper distance. I ask Your Highness to exercise restraint.”

Xie Heng warned. Li Guiyu looked puzzled: “Has this prince done something improper?”

“You know very well what you were saying just now.”

“Is speaking the truth also improper?”

Xie Heng fell silent. Li Guiyu calmly met his gaze. After a moment, Xie Heng smiled lightly: “Your Highness, if you continue staying here, that would be improper. Qingqing and I are fellow disciples. What relationship do you have with us?”

Li Guiyu’s movements paused slightly. After a moment, he smiled at Luo Wanqing and nodded: “Then, Miss Qingqing, I presume you still have words to say with your senior brother. I shall take my leave.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing stood and bowed to Li Guiyu.

These days, Li Guiyu had cared for them considerably. Luo Wanqing couldn’t bring herself to be too harsh.

Li Guiyu nodded with a smile and departed after bowing.

Xie Heng watched their interaction coldly, his expression not improving after Li Guiyu left.

Luo Wanqing turned back questioningly, saying carefully: “Senior Brother?”

Xie Heng looked up at her. Seeing that beautiful, exquisite face full of concern, he paused for a moment, then his imposing manner softened somewhat as he gentled his tone: “How are you here?”

“I heard something happened to you, so I came down the mountain.”

“Master didn’t stop you?” Xie Heng frowned.

Luo Wanqing pressed her lips together, somewhat anxious: “I came down on my own.”

“You…” Xie Heng seemed about to scold her, but recalling she had carried him out, he ultimately couldn’t bring himself to speak harshly.

After long hesitation, he said softly: “I would have been fine.”

“I know.”

Luo Wanqing spoke. Xie Heng looked puzzled: “Then why did you come?”

Luo Wanqing looked up, gazing at him earnestly: “But I had to come see whether you were all right.”

“You…”

Xie Heng was somewhat surprised, but his mood unexpectedly lifted. He hesitated, then smiled lightly: “You must have missed me.”

Luo Wanqing’s movements froze. Xie Heng reached out to rest on his bent knee, leaned forward, his handsome face bearing some playfulness: “Did I guess correctly?”

“Mm.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t hide it, lowering her eyes. Xie Heng paused, looking at the trembling lashes before him, his heart trembling along with them as he heard her say: “When Senior Brother didn’t return this winter, I missed you.”

Xie Heng rarely found himself at a loss for words.

He looked at the woman before him, suddenly realizing she was like a butterfly spreading its wings—she had blossomed into such beauty.

His little junior sister had grown up.

[6]

Luo Wanqing was beautiful—he had known this from their first meeting.

He had seen countless beauties in his life, but one as beautiful as Luo Wanqing was still unique.

So much so that at their first meeting, he could misplay the zither.

However, in the past, physical beauty he could still regard as fleeting clouds.

But now, quietly watching her lower her eyes and sit before him, he discovered he was no different from those common folk.

The unprecedented panic made him retreat slightly. He forcibly suppressed his heartbeat, feigning jest: “You’re all grown up now, yet still like a child.”

Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes without speaking.

Xie Heng thought for a moment and asked about proper matters: “How did you get mixed up with Li Guiyu?”

“When Senior Brother was critically ill, we happened to encounter him blocking the road,” Luo Wanqing answered truthfully. “Seeing he had no malicious intent, I stayed.”

“How do you know he had no malicious intent?”

Xie Heng looked up at her.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment and only said: “At least not at that moment.”

Xie Heng remained silent. Actually, he knew Luo Wanqing was right.

If Li Guiyu had malicious intent, they would have been gone long ago.

Moreover, Li Guiyu had indeed betrayed the Wang clan and had no rebellious heart.

In recent years, Li Guiyu had gone to the southwestern border. When the Wang clan rebelled, he had written back to the Eastern Capital early on, stating he had no disloyal intentions and remained a prince of the Li clan. The Emperor was very pleased with this. His reinforcement of Tancheng further demonstrated his innocence. Though the reinforcements came somewhat late, regardless, he had come—that was an attitude.

Having not rebelled before, he certainly wouldn’t rebel now.

Sending him safely back to the Eastern Capital would be a meritorious deed for Li Guiyu.

Compared to reinforcing Tancheng, this was both easier and more respectable.

Li Guiyu appeared gentle and refined, but actually had countless schemes, always picking the cheapest advantages.

Xie Heng couldn’t help but recall what Li Guiyu had said when he awoke earlier. Unable to suppress his irritation, after thinking it over, he finally reminded her: “If he wanted to find you, he would have known your whereabouts the next day. Now that the Wang clan is gone, he holds military power. When choosing a wife now…”

As he spoke, he suddenly couldn’t continue.

Because he suddenly realized that Li Guiyu truly could marry her as his legitimate wife now.

He abruptly stopped speaking. Luo Wanqing looked up questioningly: “Senior Brother?”

Xie Heng turned his head away stiffly: “Nothing.”

“You just mentioned him choosing a wife…”

“What does that have to do with you?” Before Luo Wanqing could finish, Xie Heng interrupted her, looking up to stare at her. “Why do you care about this?”

Luo Wanqing froze, then heard Xie Heng speak extremely rapidly: “Have you mastered everything Master Uncle taught you? You’re still young—coming down the mountain was already wrong. Do you still have the mood to think about such things? Tomorrow you pack your things and return to the mountain.”

“Senior Brother…”

“Don’t argue with me…”

“What am I thinking about?”

At these words, Xie Heng stiffened.

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng blankly, only asking: “What did you say I had the mood to think about?”

[7]

This question stumped Xie Heng completely. He couldn’t say a single word in response.

Luo Wanqing looked at him blankly. Xie Heng took a long time to finally calm down, turned his head away, and only said: “I just woke up and am not quite clearheaded. Don’t take it to heart.”

With that, he lay back down on the bed, closed his eyes and said: “Li Guiyu wants to use me for merit. He won’t do anything to us. You can rest easy.”

“Then do I still need to return to the mountain?”

Luo Wanqing blinked. Xie Heng said sullenly: “No need.”

Receiving his answer, Luo Wanqing reached out to take Xie Heng’s hand to check his pulse, saying gently: “Then let me examine you. Later I’ll have someone bring hot water so you can wash up. You should have woken earlier, but I gave you medicine that made you sleep a few more days. Now you should be almost fully recovered.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng wasn’t surprised. He understood his own body well—not waking for so long, medicine had obviously been used.

He let Luo Wanqing take his pulse. After a while, confirming he was fine, she stood to call for water.

After Xie Heng soaked in a bath and emerged, he saw Luo Wanqing waiting for him.

Night had already fallen. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow slightly: “Junior Sister is still here?”

“I’m checking Senior Brother’s wounds.”

Luo Wanqing spoke seriously. Xie Heng’s movements paused slightly, then he said: “I can check my wounds myself…”

“I pulled you out from a pile of bodies,” Luo Wanqing looked at him calmly, her tone without waves, but the words she spoke clearly differed from her tone. “You were covered in wounds then, every one life-threatening. I was very afraid. Afraid you would die, afraid you’d be crippled, afraid I couldn’t heal you, afraid you could never again be the Xie Heng of the past.”

As Luo Wanqing spoke, her voice caught slightly. She didn’t even know she had been so afraid of so many things.

Xie Heng listened quietly. After a long silence, he sighed, walked before Luo Wanqing, opened his arms to expose his body, and said helplessly: “Fine, my little junior sister. Since you’re worried, examine me yourself.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing wasn’t polite. She directly pulled open his garment and raised her hand to inspect his wounds.

Earlier when he was unconscious he hadn’t noticed, but now that he was awake, the moment her fingers touched him, he felt something was wrong.

Her fingers were too soft. As if afraid of hurting him, when touching the wounds, she merely brushed lightly, bringing a tingling, itching sensation.

Her mother was originally from the south. She inherited Yao Zelan’s build and was exceptionally petite compared to him—not even reaching his chin. When he looked down at her, he felt that if he spread his arms and embraced her, he could bury her entire form perfectly into his body.

This thought made his fingertips itch. He didn’t dare look further and lowered his eyes.

Actually, toward this young woman, initially he only thought she was beautiful and looked at her a few more times, but had no other thoughts.

Later when he pulled her from the water, mistaking her for Cui Xingcan, she unhesitatingly went first to save Li Guiyu and held not a trace of resentment for the trouble Cui Xingcan had caused—he felt she was kind-hearted.

At that time when he said he’d take her as a concubine, he truly had been moved. But when she refused, he didn’t force it.

Only later, year after year, every time he ascended the mountain, he could see her waiting at the mountain gate. Though she never said anything, he felt she must have waited a very long time.

She was the earliest person waiting for him at the mountain gate, the last person seeing him off at the mountain’s base watching him leave.

He was four years her senior and had always treated her like Cui Xingcan—as a child, thinking she merely felt dependent having been brought up the mountain by him.

Yet now, he suddenly discovered she was no longer a child.

She would rush down the mountain traveling thousands of miles to find him.

She would drag him from that pile of corpses, crying as she held him, carried him on her back, and pressed forward all the way.

His little junior sister…

Xie Heng turned to look at the medicine bowl still on the table and laughed softly.

He drained the medicine bowl in one gulp, rinsed his mouth, then went back to bed to continue sleeping.

But whether influenced by Luo Wanqing or not, this sleep was quite restless. He ended up having fragmented dreams.

Dreams both absurd and real.

He dreamed his uncle died, the Cui family was destroyed, he broke with his father and left the Xie clan. In the dream, he had nothing left.

He was like a lone blade in the world, life and death on the same path.

Gone was his current carefree ease. He looked around—everywhere was vast blood-red. Except for the longsword in his hand, he had nothing.

He established the Supervision Department, killed many people, then turned around to see Luo Wanqing barefoot with disheveled hair, running frantically toward him.

Lamplight illuminated with her footsteps.

Then the scene changed—he wore a mask, following beside her, observing her actions.

“Xiniang seems very accustomed to having someone follow her like a shadow?”

She didn’t speak. He smiled: “So there really is someone?”

“Mm.” The woman looked up, speaking indifferently: “An old acquaintance.”

[8]

Xie Heng woke with a start.

He didn’t know why, but “an old acquaintance” had startled him awake.

He lay in the bed curtains recovering for a while, then got up to wash. When he walked out of the tent, day had already broken.

He looked at the vast misty scenery, seeing from afar Li Guiyu leading a horse, slowly approaching with Luo Wanqing.

His heart felt as if pierced by needles in an instant—he couldn’t quite describe the feeling.

Seeing Xie Heng standing outside the tent from afar, Luo Wanqing quickly approached with Li Guiyu.

These days she would gather some medicinal herbs in the nearby mountains for Xie Heng’s use. Though Li Guiyu had a complete variety of medicinal materials, some herbs were more effective when fresh and used in food.

Li Guiyu was worried about her and accompanied her daily. She couldn’t understand his intentions, but since he made no move against her, she held no hostility and let him follow.

Carrying the herbs, she hurried forward somewhat anxiously: “Senior Brother.”

Xie Heng looked down at the person running toward him. For an instant it overlapped slightly with last night’s dream. He didn’t know if the dream had affected his mood, but looking at the young woman before him now, he suddenly felt a possessive desire surging and clamoring through his blood.

He had been like this as a child—wanting to monopolize everything.

But after growing up, he gradually restrained his temperament, especially toward people.

People were people—no one belonged to anyone. Yet now looking at the person before him, he felt a childlike sentiment arise.

His face showed nothing. He curved a slight smile, saying warmly: “Junior Sister.”

With that, he imperceptibly pulled Luo Wanqing over, brushed the dirt from her hands, looked up at her: “Gathering herbs?”

“Mm.” Luo Wanqing answered honestly: “I went to gather some Blood Spirit Seeds to make congee for Senior Brother.”

“Then Prince Zhennan is…”

Xie Heng looked up toward Li Guiyu in the distance.

Li Guiyu’s gaze fell on Xie Heng’s hand holding Luo Wanqing’s without releasing it. Hearing Xie Heng’s inquiry, he raised his eyes, then smiled: “I accompanied Miss up the mountain to gather herbs.”

Hearing the words “Miss,” Xie Heng’s mind flashed instantly to some scenes from the dream.

It seemed Li Guiyu was following behind Luo Wanqing. His hand tightened momentarily.

“Senior Brother?”

Luo Wanqing looked up. Xie Heng paused, then reacted, released Luo Wanqing, and laughed softly: “I had a nightmare and was somewhat distracted.”

With that, Xie Heng looked toward Li Guiyu and cupped his hands: “Thank you for Prince Zhennan’s assistance these days. My health has recovered. Why don’t we part ways here? I’ll first escort Junior Sister back to the Dao Sect, then return to the Eastern Capital to see His Majesty.”

“Lord Xie need not be so formal,” Li Guiyu understood Xie Heng’s meaning but wouldn’t release them. He only said: “This prince has already written to the Eastern Capital that I will bring Miss Luo and Lord Xie back together. His Majesty has already agreed and is preparing a banquet awaiting Lord Xie’s return.”

“Why must my junior sister return?” Xie Heng keenly detected Li Guiyu’s meaning in his words. Only then did Luo Wanqing realize that her name was also included in Li Guiyu’s letter to the Emperor.

Li Guiyu lowered his eyes slightly, only saying: “Miss Luo saved Lord Xie. I merely wished to request a reward for Miss Luo.”

With that, Li Guiyu looked toward Luo Wanqing and smiled warmly: “Though Miss doesn’t care about such things, what is deserved should be given to Miss. Moreover, His Majesty also misses Lord Xie. I think Miss shouldn’t be so eager to return to the sect either.”

Though the words appeared to answer Xie Heng, they were clearly directed at Luo Wanqing.

Hearing this concerned Xie Heng, and with the new Emperor just enthroned with myriad matters waiting, Luo Wanqing indeed wasn’t so eager to return to the sect. After thinking, she nodded: “Your Highness speaks correctly.”

Luo Wanqing turned to look at Xie Heng, her eyes holding some seriousness: “Senior Brother has just recovered from serious illness and shouldn’t travel long distances alone. Better to follow Your Highness and return to the Eastern Capital together?”

Xie Heng’s smile didn’t diminish on his face, but his dark eyes grew cold. Hearing Luo Wanqing say this, he nodded: “As Junior Sister wishes.”

With that, Xie Heng flicked his sleeve and turned to enter the tent.

Luo Wanqing froze—this was the first time she’d so clearly seen Xie Heng display his temper. She paused only a moment before Xie Heng’s voice came from inside the tent: “Junior Sister, come in.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked up toward Li Guiyu, bowed in salute, then entered the tent.

Once she entered the tent, she saw Xie Heng already seated before the desk, as if nothing had happened, saying calmly: “Did any documents arrive while I was sleeping?”

“Yes.” Luo Wanqing answered honestly: “I sent a message via carrier pigeon to Qingya, and afterward Qingya brought many letters.”

Hearing her speak, Xie Heng’s movements halted for a moment.

He had never discussed official business with her. This was the first time hearing her speak in such a tone. Yet when she spoke like this, she resembled that “Liu Xiniang” from the dream.

He couldn’t help but look up at her. The young woman before him had a calm expression, her bones carrying jade-like warm undertones—somewhat different from the person in the dream.

That Liu Xiniang in the dream was far colder and more severe than the person before him. At least when facing a stranger like Li Guiyu, she would never so easily trust the other party.

Though they hadn’t said so, he could tell—when she walked together with Li Guiyu, she had completely let down her guard behind him, letting Li Guiyu help carry things, speaking with a smile in her eyes, without half a trace of vigilance.

He wanted to say something, yet thinking about it, if Luo Wanqing were like the one in the dream…

Better as she was now.

She was merely kind-hearted, but not foolish. Li Guiyu just wanted to gain some advantage and truly had no malicious intent.

After all, this was when he was presenting his loyalty to the Emperor—he wouldn’t do anything.

The only thing he wanted to do…

Xie Heng opened the documents, suddenly realizing—what did this have to do with him anyway?

He looked down at the characters in the documents, thought for a moment, then raised his head to see Luo Wanqing kneeling beside him grinding medicinal herbs. Looking at the medicine she was grinding, Xie Heng hesitated, then suddenly said: “Junior Sister.”

“Mm?”

“When I’m not on the mountain, what do you do?”

Not expecting Xie Heng to suddenly ask this, Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised, but she still asked seriously: “Senior Brother, which time period do you mean?”

“All of it.” Xie Heng smiled: “All the time I’m not on the mountain—every year, what does Junior Sister do?”

[9]

Luo Wanqing had a conscientious nature. When Xie Heng asked, Luo Wanqing began from when she first ascended the mountain.

Only then did Xie Heng discover what an earnest young woman she was. She remembered every person, did everything so seriously.

In gentle, soft tones, she spoke of such heart-stopping matters.

The first year, she studied at the mountain. She practiced strikes, trained, read books, and waited for him.

The second year, she began following her master down the mountain—going north to the desert, south to the southwest, then returning to the Dao Sect at winter’s end to wait for him.

The third year, she had achieved some success. After floods in Luo brought epidemic and the city was sealed, she followed her master there, treating illness and saving people, suppressing riots, then returning to the Dao Sect to wait for him.

The fourth year…

She spoke, he listened. When the account reached nightfall, she reminded him: “Senior Brother, it’s late. You should rest.”

Only then did Xie Heng notice the time had passed. He raised his eyes to look at the young woman before him, feeling she was like uncut jade enveloped in firefly light.

His fingertips itched, yet he only nodded with a smile, saying warmly: “All right.”

After she left, he recalled her words. Just thinking about them, he could actually envision those scenes. He looked at the candlelight as the wick burst open, his heart trembling.

He suddenly wanted so badly to ask—why did she return every year at winter’s end to wait for him?

Yet upon thinking it through, he forcibly stopped himself.

Every year he brought letters from her family and from Cui Xingcan. What she waited for wasn’t him at all, but clearly news from her family.

Asking would only invite ridicule.

It wasn’t anything important anyway—why ask?

Knowing she had lived well these years…

Better than in the dream—he felt that was enough.

He laughed softly, stopped thinking further, quickly reviewed documents and sent responses back to Qingya, then retired to rest.

Meanwhile, Luo Wanqing walked out of the tent, looked at the sky full of stars, her heart trembling slightly.

She didn’t know if Xie Heng had noticed her word order—every year at year’s end, she was waiting for him.

Repeating those two words over and over, she didn’t know if Xie Heng had understood.

Afraid he wouldn’t understand, yet also afraid he would.

Luo Wanqing didn’t know what this feeling was. She only took a deep breath and turned to leave.

After Xie Heng awoke, Li Guiyu arranged for the army’s disposition, then returned to the Eastern Capital together with Xie Heng.

Mindful of Xie Heng’s health, Li Guiyu proceeded with frequent stops. Being thoughtful and refined, whenever they reached a major city, he would bring both of them along to tour around.

Though Luo Wanqing had descended the mountain many times over the years, it was mostly to treat illness and save people. Playing so purely for pleasure—this was the first time.

Xie Heng leisurely followed beside the two, watching Li Guiyu tell Luo Wanqing various literary anecdotes and witty tales.

Luo Wanqing was a conscientious and courteous person. Whatever Li Guiyu said, she would listen seriously.

When she listened to someone speak, she would gaze at their eyes, as if engraving the entire person in her eyes—focused to the point of seeming affectionate.

This made Xie Heng quite uncomfortable.

He thought it was his bad temper rising. Seeing Luo Wanqing enjoying herself, he didn’t say much. He quietly followed behind the two, listening to Li Guiyu show off his literary talents.

He originally thought this wasn’t a major matter.

His little junior sister was beautiful—having some admirers buzzing around was normal. As her senior martial brother, he only needed to watch and ensure no one deceived her.

Yet gradually he found it increasingly unbearable.

At first, when Luo Wanqing listened to Li Guiyu speak, he felt uncomfortable.

Later, when Luo Wanqing smiled at Li Guiyu, he felt uncomfortable.

After that, when Li Guiyu invited Luo Wanqing to visit his garrison in the southwest when she had time, he felt it was increasingly outrageous and absurd.

By the final night before reaching the Eastern Capital, when Luo Wanqing proactively invited Li Guiyu to visit the Dao Sect when he had time and she would guide him on cloud travels, Xie Heng finally couldn’t help but speak up, interrupting their conversation: “Did Master Uncle agree to you saying this?”

Luo Wanqing paused. She and Li Guiyu both turned back, only then noticing Xie Heng’s expression was poor.

Luo Wanqing hesitated, saying uncertainly: “Master said if I had friends, I could bring them up the mountain.”

“Friends?”

Xie Heng smiled, his gaze moving to Li Guiyu.

Li Guiyu noticed the coldness in Xie Heng’s eyes and said as if joking: “Senior Brother, does Qingqing making friends also require sect approval?”

Hearing this address “Senior Brother,” Xie Heng dropped his smile and only said: “Your Highness and I are neither relatives nor friends. I cannot bear this address of Senior Brother.”

“No matter,” Li Guiyu continued: “I’m friends with Qingqing. I’ll address you as she does.”

“Your Highness is rather presumptuous, treating everyone as friends.”

“Not like Young Master Xie,” Li Guiyu smiled as he responded: “Born with jade in his mouth, even in social interactions must distinguish between high and low ranks, differences in family status.”

These words made Xie Heng’s expression turn icy cold. Luo Wanqing’s movements also froze.

Xie Heng stared at Li Guiyu. After a long while, he said flatly: “I didn’t know Your Highness had such a mouth for stirring up trouble.”

“If there’s no trouble, who could stir it up?”

Li Guiyu turned his head with a light laugh, using his fan to gesture forward: “Miss, I’ll take you to see Wild Goose Pagoda ahead.”

“Junior Sister.”

But Xie Heng stopped in his tracks, unconsciously clenching his fist: “Tonight I’ll enter the Eastern Capital overnight and won’t travel with Your Highness. Will Junior Sister come with me?”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu standing ahead turned back.

Luo Wanqing stood between the two. Ahead was Li Guiyu in brocade robes and jade crown, behind was Xie Heng in black robes and gold crown. She gripped her sword, standing between them. After hesitating, she lowered her head to Xie Heng: “Senior Brother, I’ll still go see Wild Goose Pagoda tonight.”

Hearing this, Li Guiyu smiled.

Luo Wanqing stepped forward. Xie Heng didn’t speak but turned and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Only his clenched fist remained unable to relax, as if gripping his very heart.

He didn’t know what was wrong with him. His mind kept circling back to Luo Wanqing again and again.

Thinking of returning to the mountain gate each year—white snow everywhere, the young woman holding her sword standing on the mountain peak, smiling as warm as spring.

Thinking of that first meeting at the Musical Gathering—he sat on the high platform and looked up, across the sea of people, catching sight of her at a glance standing behind Cui Xingcan, captivating as the moon at night.

Thinking of her at the mountain gate, earnestly practicing every sword strike, playing every musical note.

Thinking of when he was buried in mountains of corpses and seas of blood, the first ray of light that fell—he opened his blood-stained eyes and saw her tear-stained face…

This was his junior sister.

The little junior sister he had personally rescued, brought up the mountain, and watched grow up.

She had always been waiting for him, never belonged to anyone. Yet this night she had abandoned him to leave with another man.

Just thinking of this, he felt a sharp pain.

He forced himself to step away, yet the moment he took that step, countless memories that didn’t belong to him flooded into his mind like dreams.

One moment she came riding covered in blood;

One moment she knelt before him covered in wounds, her cold voice calling low: “This humble official, Liu Xiniang.”

One moment she climbed the steps at the back mountain of the Supervision Department;

One moment she looked at him earnestly: “This path of a thousand cuts and ten thousand slashes—this humble official wishes to walk it alongside Young Master.”

…

He was filled with these chaotic memories, his head aching terribly, his breathing becoming involuntarily rapid.

Until finally, he heard the whistling sound of a blade from behind. The moment he turned back, he saw at Wild Goose Pagoda, Luo Wanqing and Li Guiyu together releasing a sky lantern.

A question suddenly flashed through his mind: “What if you had never met him?”

He heard the blade’s sound. He instinctively dodged, yet when the next sentence appeared, his form paused slightly and a sharp blade pierced through his shoulder.

He heard that wretched version of himself asking: “If you had never loved Li Guiyu, would you love me?”

If she had never loved Li Guiyu…

He grabbed the blade, recalling countless pasts.

He looked at that ascending sky lantern, panic flooding his entire body.

He couldn’t let them be together.

He couldn’t let them be together again.

He couldn’t let her love him again.

Luo Wanqing…

He reacted, crushed the blade embedded in his body, pulled it out in reverse, slashed horizontally to slice the throat of the person beside him. Surrounded by people, he gasped and looked up with sinister intent.

For an instant, he couldn’t distinguish dream from reality.

He seemed like that Xie Heng in the dream—having nothing, a person like a lone blade, his only scabbard being Luo Wanqing.

That Luo Wanqing called Liu Xiniang.

In the dream he had regretted countless times.

And this time, he seemed to finally have a chance.

He suddenly realized what he needed to do.

Why he felt sad.

Why he felt unwilling.

Why he felt heartache.

The reason was simple.

Because he wanted her.

His little junior sister.

Xie Heng raised his hand to wipe the blood from his lips and drew his sword in reverse.

In the dream he had comprehended the Formless Sword ahead of time—now it was perfectly useful.

He had to get ahead of Li Guiyu.

His little junior sister—this time, there could be no one else in her heart.

Except him.

[10]

The fighting at the mountain base was resolved quickly. Luo Wanqing didn’t notice anything unusual at all—everything had already ended.

After she and Li Guiyu released the wish lantern, she turned to look at the young man beside her and said calmly: “According to Your Highness, today is your birthday. Having released this sky lantern with you, Your Highness’s life-saving grace should be considered repaid, shouldn’t it?”

“You never owed me anything.”

Li Guiyu smiled, his eyes full of understanding: “Rather, back then Miss saved me, and I never thanked you. I’ve kept this in my heart all these years. Remembering it for so long, I started having strange dreams.”

“Strange dreams?” Luo Wanqing looked puzzled.

Li Guiyu turned back to look at her, nostalgia in his eyes: “In the dreams I always followed behind Miss, as if I were Miss’s guard.”

“That truly is strange.”

Seeing he didn’t seem to be pretending, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but smile.

“So I would always think, if I could see Miss again, I should do something,” Li Guiyu turned to look at her earnestly: “To fulfill my regrets.”

Seeing his expression turn serious, Luo Wanqing gradually dropped her smile.

She looked at Li Guiyu calmly. After a long while, she finally said: “Your Highness, I’m doing very well at the Dao Sect.”

Li Guiyu gazed at her quietly, hearing her say seriously: “I study medicine, study the sword, descend the mountain, save people, then return at winter’s end each year to wait for someone who returns every year. I think such a life is very good. I don’t want to change it.”

“But that person doesn’t return every year.”

Li Guiyu understood her meaning and frowned: “His birth determines that his marriage cannot possibly be decided by himself. If he were with you…”

“Then we won’t be together.”

Luo Wanqing interrupted Li Guiyu, saying calmly: “I have many things I can do. Among so many things, quietly liking one person—what’s wrong with that?”

Hearing Luo Wanqing’s words, Li Guiyu fell silent for a moment.

He stared fixedly at Luo Wanqing and smiled softly: “Miss is right. Quietly liking one person—what’s wrong with that? I just don’t understand,” Li Guiyu said questioningly: “Where did I lose?”

“Your Highness,” Luo Wanqing said honestly: “In matters of affection, there is no winning or losing. You also don’t particularly like me—you’re just unwilling to accept it.”

If it had truly been love at first sight, the day after the drowning incident, he should have already found her.

He didn’t come then because it wasn’t worth it.

He came now because there was no cost.

For the current Li Guiyu, marrying a commoner woman would be most suitable for the new Emperor.

Both understood this tacitly. After a long while, Li Guiyu sighed with some regret and only said: “Very well. Then thank you for accompanying me tonight, Miss. When I leave the Eastern Capital another day, if Miss has time, you may travel to the southwest.”

“All right.”

Luo Wanqing nodded and said seriously: “It’s settled then.”

“Earlier on the road I saw a flower lantern,” Li Guiyu’s gaze fell on a distant small stall. “I didn’t have time to give it to Miss at the Musical Gathering back then. Now I’ll make up for it with one. May henceforth,” the night wind swept across Li Guiyu’s forehead, his expression indifferent, “I never dream of Miss again.”

The two spoke as they descended Wild Goose Pagoda. Li Guiyu as promised bought her a lantern.

Luo Wanqing carried the flower lantern. After walking a few steps, she saw bloodstains on the ground.

She frowned. Li Guiyu immediately inquired of someone nearby: “Elder, did something happen earlier?”

“Yes, there was a young fellow, so handsome, got stabbed.”

“What was he wearing?”

“Black clothes, with a gold hair…”

Before finishing, Luo Wanqing realized something was wrong. Carrying the flower lantern, she turned and ran frantically toward where the bloody scent came from.

The blood scent led toward the inn. Luo Wanqing pursued it all the way to the inn, rushed up to the second floor, and charged toward Xie Heng’s room.

The moment she passed her own room, the door suddenly opened. Someone grabbed her hand and yanked her inside.

Luo Wanqing instinctively blocked with the flower lantern. The other person flipped his hand to disarm her lantern, one hand holding the lantern, the other pressing against the back of her head in her hair, forcefully pressing her entire body against the wall and kissing her fiercely.

The lamplight illuminated their faces. He closed his eyes, letting his tongue drive straight in, stirring up storms in the sweet liquid cavity.

Luo Wanqing’s eyes widened in shock, looking at the familiar handsome face before her, her heart pounding like battlefield drums.

She didn’t dare move, feeling as if she were dreaming. Her body trembled from his kiss until she went soft and started sliding downward. Only then did Xie Heng wrap an arm around her waist, reluctantly pulling away.

Luo Wanqing’s entire body depended on his strength, breathing lightly. Xie Heng looked down at the person completely pinned against the wall by him, glanced at the flower lantern in his hand, lowered his head and questioned in a hoarse voice: “Where did Junior Sister get this flower lantern?”

“His Highness gave it.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t dare raise her head, her voice like a mosquito’s buzz.

Xie Heng laughed softly, showing no intention of leaving. He only said: “Chang’e fled to the moon seeking immortality, but later regretted stealing the elixir—blue seas and azure skies, night after night in her heart. Junior Sister,” Xie Heng leaned by Luo Wanqing’s ear, saying softly: “If you want to leave, did you ask Senior Brother?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked up in shock. Only then did she notice the lantern painting depicted Chang’e fleeing to the moon.

“Luo Wanqing,” Xie Heng raised his hand to brush across her lustrous lips: “You owe me a life. Do you remember?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing suddenly understood Xie Heng’s meaning.

She stared fixedly at Xie Heng. After a long while, she said calmly: “How does Senior Brother want me to repay?”

“I want you.”

Xie Heng’s fingertip slid downward. Blood spread from her lips, drawing into her collar. His calloused hand touched her heart without any concealment. Hair falling down, he was like a seductive demon spirit, laughing softly: “Your heart is here, isn’t it?”

Luo Wanqing’s breathing quickened. She stared at the young man’s handsome face tinged with beauty, recalling year after year of heavy snow.

Finally settling on the moment he looked up at the Musical Gathering.

Her heartstrings were like the zither strings he had misplayed—after one tremor, lingering echoes that wouldn’t dissipate for years.

“Give it to me.”

The moment he commanded, he yanked her sash and pulled her into his embrace. She simultaneously spread her arms wide like butterfly wings taking flight, fiercely embracing him.

The sound of tearing fabric rang out sharply. They kissed and entangled in the night.

Until finally, he placed her on the bed.

Moonlight fell on her unclothed body, reflecting a snowy whiteness.

He pressed before her, clenching his fists tightly. Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead down his cheeks, falling onto snow-capped mountains.

Snow melting on mountains and rivers. Xie Heng forced himself to avert his gaze, looking up to fall on her clear, moist eyes, smiling lightly: “Here, or wait until we reach the Eastern Capital?”

“Tomorrow I plan to set off for the southwest…”

Before finishing, Luo Wanqing suddenly cried out in pain. Xie Heng lowered his head to kiss her, saying hoarsely: “Better here then. Long nights bring many dreams.”

The first time was quite demanding. Though aside from initial slight pain, Luo Wanqing’s experience was excellent.

After finishing, the two lay in bed. Xie Heng looked at Luo Wanqing’s face, wanted to say something, but ultimately only asked: “Why did you accept his flower lantern?”

“He gave it to me.”

Luo Wanqing closed her eyes somewhat wearily.

“Then you’re not allowed to accept any more from now on.” Xie Heng emphasized.

Luo Wanqing responded: “All right.”

Seeing Luo Wanqing agree so easily, Xie Heng felt relieved. He looked at the person whose hair was damp with sweat and smiled softly: “Qingqing.”

Luo Wanqing opened her eyes to hear Xie Heng ask seriously: “You don’t like him yet, right?”

“No.”

Luo Wanqing answered definitively.

Xie Heng felt relieved. Just about to ask “Then do you like me?”, he saw Luo Wanqing close her eyes again, seeming extremely tired.

So the words stopped at his lips. Whether from consideration for her or from not daring, he ultimately didn’t speak them.

Having reached this step, once he returned and prepared everything to marry her, whether she liked him or not…

He would have a lifetime—it should be fine.

[11]

Xie Heng had wounds on his body and was also extremely tired. Though his thoughts were many, he was also drowsy and confused.

When he woke, it was already light. He discovered his wounds had all been treated, and there was no trace of Luo Wanqing around—as if last night had only been a fleeting dream and she had never come.

Xie Heng frowned and quickly got up. Then he saw a letter left on the table. His intuition warned him. Opening the letter, he found Luo Wanqing’s handwriting.

“Senior Brother, reading this is like seeing me.

When you see this letter, I should already be on the road.

Li Guiyu said there is plague in the southwest, with some villages left with only the old and weak, many patients, insufficient physicians. I wish to go there.

Master said I should have descended the mountain for cloud travels long ago. Now is exactly the right time. Junior Sister has her sword—Senior Brother need not worry, nor need you search.

At the Musical Gathering, love at first sight. Yet knowing my humble birth, worlds apart from Senior Brother, I dared not presume. To gain the fate of fellow disciples was already fortunate. Now to have had this fleeting intimate encounter—I have no more regrets.

Years hence, if we meet again, may Senior Brother have a virtuous wife by his side and a hall full of children and grandchildren.

Junior Sister Luo Wanqing, respectfully.”

Reading this, Xie Heng laughed in anger.

Fleeting intimate encounter…

What kind of person did she take him for?

Xie Heng turned to pursue her, yet just as he took a step, he recalled how years ago when he said the word “concubine” to her, her face had paled slightly.

His movements halted. The paper in his hand suddenly felt scorching.

Musical Gathering, love at first sight.

Which meant… even then, she had already been moved.

Though she never spoke a word, he understood—the pride in her bones was never less than his.

Back then, he had actually told her to be a concubine?

Someone as good as her naturally wouldn’t consider it an insult. But in that moment, she probably understood the distance between them.

Her status, to him—noble concubine was already an elevation in his mind.

Realizing this, Xie Heng froze in place.

A moment later, Zhuque’s voice came from the door: “Young Master? Are you there?”

Xie Heng slowly clenched the paper. After a moment, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and stepped out.

“Young Master?!”

Everyone stood at the door. Seeing Xie Heng emerge, Qingya smiled warmly: “Young Master, Lord Cui is already waiting for you downstairs.”

Xie Heng nodded and stepped downstairs. He saw a middle-aged man in blue robes and cloth cap, sitting leisurely in the hall, chatting with an elderly man passing by.

He was handsome, appearing ageless, though his temperament was steady—clearly not a youth.

Xie Heng walked over and bowed respectfully to the middle-aged man: “Uncle.”

Hearing this, Cui Qingping didn’t respond. He only continued with the old man beside him: “Bury the wheat straw ash in the soil. After a few years, the land will become fertile. Old uncle, finish this drink. Once the rain stops, go back and try it. My nephew has arrived and I must leave. Old uncle, until next time.”

With that, Cui Qingping stood and led Xie Heng outside.

Stepping out the door, Cui Qingping put his hands behind his back and said calmly: “How was this journey?”

“Great gains.”

“Oh,” Cui Qingping shook his sleeve: “Speak.”

“I got married.”

Xie Heng spoke directly. Cui Qingping paused and looked back: “Which family’s young lady?”

“The junior sister I sent to the Dao Sect back then,” Xie Heng looked at Cui Qingping seriously: “I want to marry her as my wife.”

Hearing this, Cui Qingping laughed.

“Good thing you followed me,” Cui Qingping said as he turned, waving with a laugh: “Otherwise your father would have beaten you to death sooner or later. Fine then, marry if you want. Uncle will plead your case.”

Luo Wanqing left the inn and rode straight toward the southwest.

She knew Xie Heng wouldn’t come after her.

Given Xie Heng’s nature, he never bowed his head. Since she chose to leave, he wouldn’t make her stay.

Just like when the youth smiled years ago and let her choose—when she wanted to go to the Dao Sect, he sent her to the Dao Sect.

His feelings toward her, she knew, should be that little something between man and woman, but it wouldn’t affect him much.

She also didn’t wish to affect him in any way.

If it affected him, the price he would pay would be too great. What he would betray would be his family, his status. His parents and clansmen would be displeased because of it and quarrel with him. She didn’t think it necessary.

Someone like Xie Heng—his affection was enough. There was no need to possess him.

Like the sun hanging high in the sky—no need to fall into anyone’s embrace.

Yet when he truly didn’t come, she still felt that hidden, tiny disappointment.

Everyone hoped to be liked by the person they liked. She was ultimately just a mortal, unable to escape convention.

She didn’t think too much about it. Traveling day and night, she reached the southwest, then settled there, consulting patients and saving people daily.

After several months, she heard news from people coming from the Eastern Capital, saying Xie Heng was getting married.

She was somewhat surprised, not expecting that after so many years alone, Xie Heng would suddenly marry.

She didn’t dare ask who it was, only smiled without speaking.

That night it rained. She looked at the zither in her room, hesitating long between returning or not.

Then she heard knocking at the door. Opening it, she heard the medicine boy urgently say: “Physician Luo, there’s an urgent critical case.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing had no time to think further and hurried after him.

She rushed to the medical hall. Entering, she saw a young man in black robes and gold crown looking up at the plaque reading “Hanging Gourd to Save the World.”

Luo Wanqing froze. The young man smiled and turned back.

“You…” Luo Wanqing spoke in surprise, her mind unable to process. Recalling the medicine boy’s words: “You’re the urgent critical case?”

“Exactly,” Xie Heng walked forward, rolling up his sleeve and extending his pulse, saying with a smile: “Lovesickness. Physician Luo, can you diagnose it?”

Luo Wanqing couldn’t speak, only stared at him blankly.

After a long while, she murmured: “Aren’t you getting married?”

“Yes,” Xie Heng nodded: “Isn’t that why I rushed here to fetch the bride?”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s eyes widened.

Xie Heng smiled and explained: “I’ve already persuaded Father, Mother, and the clan. His Majesty also personally decreed the marriage. Junior Sister,” Xie Heng pulled her hand into his own, saying warmly: “I, Xie Heng, have never been the type to sleep with someone then mutually wish them marital bliss and a hall full of descendants. When you ran, did you think about how to compensate me?”

Luo Wanqing looked at Xie Heng in disbelief. Xie Heng tilted his head, smiling lightly: “Didn’t think of anything?”

“I…”

“I’ve thought it through.” Xie Heng interrupted her words, bending slightly to lean by her ear, saying in a low, hoarse voice: “Every day I think—I shouldn’t have let you be able to run that morning.”

Luo Wanqing understood without instruction in an instant, suddenly comprehending what he was saying.

Her face immediately flushed red. Xie Heng glanced at her and laughed aloud, then straightened: “Come on, let me see what you do daily.”

“Senior Brother!”

Luo Wanqing finally reacted to what was happening. She said hurriedly: “I still have matters in the southwest.”

“Then shall I hold the wedding in the southwest?”

Xie Heng turned to look at her. Luo Wanqing’s mind was somewhat chaotic. She continued: “I might not plan to return to the central plains.”

“Oh,” Xie Heng nodded: “Then shall I apply for reassignment to the southwest?”

With that, Xie Heng considered further: “Or would you prefer I not be an official? I have many other things I can do.”

“It’s not that,” Luo Wanqing frowned: “Senior Brother, your family…”

“That’s not for you to worry about,” Xie Heng turned to look at her: “I’ve already resolved it.”

“It’s not worth it…” Luo Wanqing knew this must require sacrifices. She said hurriedly: “Senior Brother, you still have a bright future ahead.”

“My bright future is you.”

Xie Heng was somewhat impatient. He turned back to look at her: “What I want should be for me to decide, not for you to determine.”

“You’ll regret…”

“I’m not doing it for you. If I regret, it’s my own affair. How is it your concern?”

Xie Heng interrupted her and walked before her.

He put both hands behind his back, bent to meet her eyes at the same level, looking at her seriously: “I like you and came to pursue you. These are all my own choices. Whether you respond or not, I will choose this way. You only need to tell me one thing,” Xie Heng stared into her eyes: “Do you like me?”

Luo Wanqing stared blankly at Xie Heng. Xie Heng suddenly recalled something and straightened, pulling a paper from his sleeve, saying quite proudly: “Oh, no need to ask. After all…”

With that, Xie Heng unfolded the paper and read seriously: “Senior Brother, at the Musical Gathering, love at first sight…”

“Don’t read it!”

Luo Wanqing realized what was happening and hurriedly reached to snatch it. Xie Heng raised the paper high with one hand while his other hand wrapped around her waist, pulling Luo Wanqing into his embrace. He looked down at her: “I shouldn’t have misunderstood—you do like me, don’t you?”

Luo Wanqing maintained her composure and didn’t speak. Xie Heng understood her meaning.

He smiled like brilliant spring sunshine: “Isn’t this perfect then? Me too. Luo Wanqing,” Xie Heng’s expression grew solemn: “I like you and have come to marry you. I’ve arranged everything else. I’ll only ask you one thing—will you marry me or not?”

Luo Wanqing didn’t speak. Xie Heng waited quietly, as if unable to get the answer he wanted, he could wait forever.

Luo Wanqing looked up into his eyes. Her heart pounded like drums. She had never imagined such a day—even now it felt like a dream.

She couldn’t help but ask: “What if I won’t marry?”

Xie Heng’s expression paused, then he smiled and only said: “Think it over again?”

“What if after thinking I still don’t want to marry?”

Xie Heng’s expression cooled somewhat. He put the paper back in his sleeve and said flatly: “Then we’ll sleep together tonight, and you can think again tomorrow.”

“What if tomorrow I…”

“Then keep thinking.”

Xie Heng looked up at her: “I’ll wait right here. If you can’t think clearly, even on the road to the Yellow Springs, I’ll accompany you while you ponder.”

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh.

Xie Heng looked at her smile. In an instant, illusions of two people flashed through his mind.

The Xie Heng and Luo Wanqing in the illusions seemed very much like them.

But also seemed somewhat different.

Thinking carefully, Xie Heng said warmly: “You’re better this way.”

Luo Wanqing looked at him blankly. Xie Heng reached out to gently brush her hair, saying seriously: “My heart doesn’t ache so much. And I’m happier.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t understand, but still nodded and said softly: “Once I finish my business, I’ll return to the Eastern Capital with you. As long as you agree,” Luo Wanqing said seriously: “We’ll marry.”

Xie Heng smiled, then asked: “Where do I sleep tonight?”

Luo Wanqing froze. She suddenly understood Xie Heng’s meaning. After hesitating for a long while, she said in a low voice: “The medical hall only has my room. If you don’t mind, then sleep with me.”

“Then I’ll trouble Physician Luo?”

Xie Heng said as he turned to walk out: “Come, lead the way and let me see.”

Luo Wanqing, blushing, led him to her room.

Her bed was small. When Xie Heng climbed in, they were practically squeezed together.

Getting into bed, Xie Heng suddenly remembered something. He took a small box from his sleeve and said softly: “For you.”

Luo Wanqing questioningly accepted it. Opening the box, she saw an ankle bracelet.

“What’s this?”

“I often dream of it,” Xie Heng’s gaze fell on the ankle bracelet, his voice slightly hoarse: “In the dream, it sounds very nice.”

Listening, Luo Wanqing picked up the ankle bracelet. There were bells on it. She shook it gently: “This kind of sound?”

Xie Heng didn’t answer. He took the ankle bracelet from Luo Wanqing’s hand and fastened it on her ankle, then looked up with a smile: “Wear it to sleep.”

With that, he sat on the bed and lay down.

Luo Wanqing slept on the inside. After hesitating, she also lay down.

Xie Heng lay flat without moving, listening to Luo Wanqing’s breathing. After a while, he heard her say softly: “Senior Brother, when did you start liking me?”

“I don’t know,” Xie Heng answered honestly: “When I realized it was when you were about to leave with Li Guiyu. If you ask when it began…”

Xie Heng thought seriously: “Perhaps from when I thought I was merely attracted by beauty.”

“Weren’t you attracted by beauty?”

Luo Wanqing asked questioningly. Xie Heng paused, then said: “If you had a different face standing before me, the day I saw you, I think I would still have been moved.”

Just like that Xie Heng in the dream—the first time seeing that Liu Xiniang with her ruined face, seeing those eyes, he was also attracted.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing laughed softly: “Senior Brother, this is the first time I’ve known you can lie too.”

Hearing this, Xie Heng glanced at her, saying frivolously: “Junior Sister, I never lie, especially to young women—I never lie.”

Luo Wanqing laughed until she trembled. The room faintly echoed with bell sounds. The sound was small, but martial artists were especially sensitive. Xie Heng heard it but said nothing more. He turned over with his back to Luo Wanqing: “Sleep. You’re tired too.”

Luo Wanqing didn’t speak. What Xie Heng said was true. Blocked into the corner by him, she felt exceptionally safe. Before long, she drowsily fell asleep.

Hearing her breathing even out, Xie Heng finally turned over. He looked up to study the woman’s sleeping face in the moonlight, couldn’t help but raise his finger to trace her features.

He gazed at her quietly, scenes from the dream flashing through his mind.

After a long while, he smiled softly.

In this lifetime they were doing well. May his little junior sister live smoothly and safely, peacefully until old age.

As for him…

The woman beneath his finger trembled her lashes slightly. Some improper thoughts suddenly flashed through his mind.

That Xie Heng in the illusions was quite fortunate with women. He thought…

Once they married, his good days should be just beginning.