Little Zhou was quite startled by this. Turning around, she saw the person who had been on the bed was now standing behind her, arms crossed, watching her.

His eyebrows were slightly raised with a half-smiling expression.

Little Zhou steadied herself, grabbing the porcelain pot and shoving it at him: “What I put in it—drink it and you’ll know!”

Wuqing didn’t refuse, accepting it readily. Little Zhou took the opportunity to push the door and rush out.

Unexpectedly, having only reached the courtyard connecting to the main gate, Wuqing appeared in front of her, leaning on his crutch.

“Dead cripple, good skills.” Little Zhou sneered. She simply stopped, even putting her hands on her hips defiantly: “I want to poison you to death with medicine. Go tell Huaisu and have me punished.”

But Wuqing showed no anger, hatred, or even urgency, looking at her: “Everyone’s out of the residence today, aren’t they?”

Little Zhou felt somewhat unnerved by his cryptic gaze, saying defensively: “Don’t you dare try anything. That’s laxative—it won’t kill anyone.”

Before she could finish, Wuqing had lifted her up entirely. Though using only one hand, his strength was tremendous. Holding her, he sat on a stone chair in the courtyard, threw aside his crutch, and pressed his face to hers: “That’s not laxative—it’s medicine for my leg condition. My leg bones are displaced. Though I’m not completely unable to walk, without a wheelchair, even slight movement causes excruciating pain and weakness. These past days walking with a crutch, I’ve obviously felt the pain lessen… You originally had the ability to treat my condition, but your superiors wouldn’t allow it. Now you can’t help but secretly act—you’ve truly fallen in love with me, haven’t you?”

The man’s burning breath hit her face, her skin tingling from the temperature. Especially since this was usually a cold, emotionless man now speaking such intimate words, Little Zhou’s face flushed red, grinding her teeth in frustration: “How did you know yesterday’s water had problems?”

“Don’t you know I’ve always been guarding against you?”

Wuqing’s tone was quite contemptuous.

Little Zhou was furious, raising her hand to slap him. Wuqing’s eyes flashed as he caught her hand, lowering his head to kiss her lips.

Burning lips and tongue suddenly invaded her mouth. Little Zhou was startled, nearly sliding off his lap.

Wuqing supported her hip, holding her securely.

Little Zhou was ashamed and angry, struggling hard, but couldn’t overcome his strength. He was breathing slightly, his eyes holding faint desire, his lips and tongue sliding to her neck: “Today there’s no one in the residence…”

His low, husky, laughing voice alarmed Little Zhou. She was both ashamed and anxious, but his hand was already gripping her sensitive area through her clothes, caressing.

His originally rough kisses became increasingly gentle. Little Zhou, already having feelings for him, forgot to struggle and began breathing softly.

“You… what are you doing…”

Only when a shocked voice came from the side did they separate in alarm. Both were skilled in martial arts, Wuqing especially accomplished, yet in their passionate moment, they hadn’t noticed someone entering—they had been careless.

“This commoner pays respects to the princess…”

Little Zhou hastily got up from Wuqing, bowing.

Wuqing was ten times calmer than her, supporting himself up with his crutch, looking ahead indifferently.

Lian Xin stared at him in shock and dismay, her eyes showing anger and disappointment: “You… you like men?”

“She’s a woman,” Wuqing responded, extremely calm, “and indeed the young lady I’m fond of.”

“Little Zhou is a woman? How is that possible? What’s happening today—nothing but shocking events?”

Several people entering from the gate—Tieshou and Zhuiming—were stunned speechless. Even the usually cold and indifferent Leng Xue showed surprise.

Zhuiming muttered, rubbing his eyes, looking at Wuqing then at Little Zhou.

Little Zhou’s heart raced. She glared fiercely at Wuqing before stepping forward to explain: “Princess, this cripple is joking with you. This commoner is not a man—if I were male, how could I dare take the imperial examinations?”

In previous circumstances, Lian Xin might not have believed Wuqing’s words, but having personally witnessed Suzhen’s situation, she laughed coldly, pointing at Little Zhou: “If you’re a woman, take off your clothes and let me see! Strip!”

Zhuiming chimed in from the side: “Yes, yes, Little Zhou, just strip to prove your innocence. The boss must be mistaken—how could this Little Zhou be a young lady…”

Wuqing glanced over, his gaze carrying a warning. Zhuiming was startled and immediately fell silent.

Little Zhou cursed Wuqing silently. She naturally couldn’t strip for everyone’s inspection. Just as she was thinking of excuses, Wuqing spoke first: “Why has the princess come here? If looking for Huaisu, he seems to have gone out. Princess, please go inside and wait briefly. However, since the princess is still confined by the Empress Dowager, it would be best to return to the palace early.”

Lian Xin saw him acting as if nothing had happened, not taking her questioning seriously at all. Her joys, sorrows, and emotions couldn’t move him even slightly. She stared at Wuqing steadily, wanting to shout angrily, wanting to rush forward and kill Little Zhou, wanting to slap Wuqing, but what came out was pleasing words: “Last time I helped Sixth Brother detain Mother Empress, letting Sixth Brother have time to leave the palace to see Li Huaisu. I beg Sixth Brother daily, and he finally agreed to bring me out. I came to see you.”

Wuqing: “Thank you for the princess’s concern. Wuqing is merely a person of the martial world, unworthy of the princess’s condescension. Princess, please return to the palace early if there’s nothing else, lest the Empress Dowager blame you.”

Though he spoke as if considering Lian Xin’s welfare, bringing up old topics still meant asking Lian Xin to leave.

Lian Xin saw the alienation and indifference in his eyes, her eye circles gradually reddening: “Wuqing, is my family background not good enough? Am I not beautiful? Am I not good? If you think anything’s wrong, I can change it all…”

Was this still the arrogant, domineering Lian Xin? But why would she be so humble before Wuqing, just because he saved her life?! Zhuiming was tongue-tied listening, glancing at Tieshou and Leng Xue to find them equally astonished. Little Zhou lowered her head, secretly curving her lips mockingly.

Lian Xin knew many people were present, but coming out of the palace was difficult. She still looked hopefully: “I can do anything for you… I’m good to Huaisu now too.”

Wuqing glanced at Little Zhou, then told Lian Xin: “The princess has noble lineage, beautiful appearance—everything is good. Zhuiming, Tieshou, please escort the princess out.”

With the conversation reaching this point, everyone could see what was happening. Obviously, the princess had feelings for Wuqing, but Wuqing was fond of Little Zhou. However, Wuqing was too bold, directly refusing Lian Xin. Though not using harsh words, there was clear coldness.

Lian Xin felt her heart being torn painfully. Everyone’s expressions made her feel she had lost all face. She walked up to Little Zhou, her gaze full of malice: “What are you? Dare compete with me! You like him—just try it. I absolutely won’t spare you!”

She raised her hand to strike. This was different from when Shuangcheng had hit Suzhen that day. Shuangcheng was extremely self-controlled and had endured Suzhen for a long time, only acting when grief and anger reached extremes. But Lian Xin was spoiled—she struck when she wanted to. However, this completely enraged Wuqing.

His figure rose and fell, his sleeve fluttering. Lian Xin had already fallen to the ground in defeat, not even catching a piece of Little Zhou’s clothing.

Lian Xin’s palms were badly scraped, blood flowing freely. She whimpered in pain, feeling utterly bitter inside, tears flowing immediately: “You dare hit me! I’ll tell Mother Empress and Imperial Brother, confiscate your property, exterminate your clan!”

“As you wish.”

Speaking of property confiscation and clan extermination, Wuqing’s eyes quickly flashed with darkness before returning to their usual coldness.

Seeing the mockery at his lips, Lian Xin scrambled up, crying as she ran toward the door. Only upon turning did she discover Lian Yu and Suzhen standing hand in hand, with Xuanwu, Qinglong and others following behind. They seemed to have been there for some time—she had been so focused on talking to Wuqing that she hadn’t noticed.

She sobbed: “Sixth Brother, they bullied me. Help me teach them a lesson.”

But Lian Yu said coldly: “Are you trying to make me lose all face? Come back to the palace with me. If you dare cause trouble in this Ministry of Justice again, don’t think about leaving the palace in future.”

Lian Xin saw that not only did Lian Yu stand aside and watch, he even scolded her. Her resentment deepened, but she didn’t dare contradict this imperial brother. Biting her lip, she ran wildly out.

Suzhen felt somewhat sorry. She hadn’t expected to enter and immediately encounter this situation—though she hadn’t seen everything, she understood most of it. Lian Xin was Lian Yu’s sister after all. She wanted to chase after and comfort the girl, but also thought receiving some discipline would be good for her.

Weighing both considerations, she didn’t act, only tugging Lian Yu’s sleeve and quietly thanking him.

Though Lian Xin was unreasonable, if they held her accountable, the Ministry of Justice staff would suffer. Fortunately, Lian Yu spoke first, forbidding her from causing trouble, otherwise Xiao’an would certainly deal with them.

Lian Yu glanced at her: “Are you being formal with me?”

Suzhen felt warm inside. Meanwhile, everyone hurried to pay respects to Lian Yu.

Little Zhou looked panicked: “Your Majesty, this commoner didn’t intend to compete with the princess for favor. If Your Majesty wishes to punish me, please be lenient.”

Wuqing stood protectively in front of her, bowing: “The fault is this commoner’s, unrelated to her.”

Lian Yu patted his shoulder: “In matters of love, no one is to blame. You needn’t worry about the princess’s matter. I see you conduct yourself with proper discretion. Your current position as Six Doors Deputy Commander is excellent—work hard, and your future prospects are unlimited.”

“Thank Your Majesty.”

Not only did Lian Yu not blame them, he even hinted at promotion. Everyone knew this was partly due to Suzhen’s influence, while Wuqing’s thanks maintained his usual neither humble nor arrogant demeanor.

Lian Yu looked at Little Zhou. Little Zhou was startled, about to speak, when Lian Yu said: “The princess’s matter ends here. I won’t pursue it. However, your disguised examination constitutes deceiving the emperor. Considering you didn’t achieve top honors and are under Magistrate Li’s jurisdiction, having accomplished real work, I’ll spare you great punishment. You must work harder for Magistrate Li in future.”

“Yes. This commoner obeys the imperial decree and will do everything possible to serve Magistrate Li.” Little Zhou nodded like a pecking chicken.

“I’ll return to the palace first. I’ll send word about Wuyan’s matter at any time.”

Lian Yu glanced coolly at Leng Xue, then affectionately touched Suzhen’s hair.

Everyone either lowered their heads or pretended to cough and turn away, acting as if they saw nothing. Suzhen felt her ears burning slightly.

Leng Xue smiled coldly, clenching his fists as he walked aside.

Only after Lian Yu left did everyone become lively. Zhuiming and Tieshou surrounded Little Zhou to observe. Little Zhou said coldly: “Get lost, or I’ll gouge out your eyes.”

Zhuiming nudged Tieshou, laughing: “Looking this way, Little Zhou has delicate skin and is quite pretty.”

Wuqing added lightly: “Of course—how could someone I fancy be inferior?”

Little Zhou had already been extremely angry about everything earlier. Now seeing him still making fun of her, in her rage she flounced off. Suzhen handed her the dumplings, smiling: “Share these with everyone before you go. It’s wonderful that you’re a girl—everyone will care for you more. Also, about you and Wuqing—is it settled?”

Little Zhou stopped to study her, her tone still old-fashioned and stern: “He’s the one pining for me. How could I fancy him?”

She paused, snorting coldly: “You don’t blame me for deceiving you?”

Suzhen shook her head. She herself had had strange experiences—what was impossible for others? Similarly, Wuqing and Little Zhou probably already knew she was a woman. In this Ministry of Justice, perhaps only Zhuiming and Tieshou still didn’t know her gender.

The only thing that surprised her was that Wuqing and Little Zhou had developed mutual affection.

By now, regarding these two people of unknown origins and mysterious backgrounds, she had gradually lowered her guard. Her intuition told her their identities must be significant, but neither would harm her.

Of course, it was also possible their cultivation was so high they had concealed their true natures too well. If that were the case, she would have to accept it.

Little Zhou paired with Wuqing was quite wonderful—far better than Lian Xin.

However, she had previously thought Little Zhou was strange, but now felt Wuqing was the one controlling everything.

This person gave her increasingly peculiar feelings.

Little Zhou saw her seeming somewhat absent-minded, feeling ignored. She glared fiercely at her before going back to distribute the dumplings.

The group shared the dumplings. Wuqing usually didn’t eat much, but continuously ate several, seeming quite pleased. Yet his eating manner was refined, while Zhuiming and Tieshou wolfed theirs down but couldn’t match his speed, causing them to shout in frustration.

The strange feeling in Suzhen’s heart grew stronger.

Thinking of everything along their journey, she felt something in her heart calling to emerge. She wanted to verify with Wuqing but immediately dismissed her own thoughts—impossible!

Wuqing seemed to already sense her observation, glancing at her.

Suzhen didn’t want complications—if she rashly questioned Wuqing and he wasn’t the person she suspected, wouldn’t she expose her identity to others! If he wasn’t that person, regardless of whether he would harm her, the more people who knew her business, the greater the chance of causing trouble. Moreover, even if she were to tell someone, she should tell Lian Yu first. Furthermore, if Wuqing truly was the person she guessed, why wouldn’t he acknowledge her?

She finally dismissed the idea of asking, went forward to grab several dumplings, greeted everyone, and left first.

The dumplings were bought by Lian Yu for her. Though not her favorite, she should taste them.

Carrying the food, she unconsciously walked to Leng Xue’s room. Leng Xue had quietly left earlier. She raised her hand to knock when Leng Xue opened the door as if knowing she had come. Suzhen’s hand hung somewhat stiffly in midair. Though she wanted to say something to him, facing him directly, she didn’t know where to begin.

Leng Xue stared at her briefly, then sighed silently first: “Zhen’er, believe me—Lian Yu is the emperor with three thousand beauties in his harem. He cannot be sincere toward you. I’ll wait for you.”

“Leng Xue, listen to me, we…”

Her words were quickly interrupted by Leng Xue: “No, you listen to me. From now on, I’ll treat you as before and won’t do things like last time again.”

Speaking of this, Leng Xue’s face also reddened slightly.

Suzhen felt even more awkward.

Leng Xue: “But I’ll wait for you.”

Suzhen sighed anxiously: “Leng Xue, why torment yourself like this! You know I’m single-minded.”

Leng Xue’s voice lowered: “After all these years, don’t you know me? I’m the same as you.”

“You cannot stop me, just as I cannot stop you from falling into this quagmire now. So let’s not talk about it anymore. You’ll see Lian Yu’s true face someday. Also, be careful of Wuqing.”

“Wuqing?” Suzhen was surprised and alarmed, almost blurting out: “Leng Xue, do you know something about Wuqing?”

Leng Xue shook his head, his gaze showing gravity: “I’ve tested him several times but couldn’t discover anything. But he gives me a very bad feeling.”

“But don’t you think he’s like my brother?” Suzhen couldn’t help voicing her doubt.

“Yes, I have that feeling too. But precisely because he seems like your brother, I find it strange. Your brother wasn’t like this. I mean that ambiguous sense of good and evil.”

Suzhen’s heart was already troubled. Returning to her room, her mood grew heavier. As she pushed the door, she saw a clear figure inside and was startled: “Wuqing?”

Wuqing was sitting inside.

Seeing her return, he smiled slightly: “You’re back? I came to discuss something with you.”

Looking at him, Suzhen felt both closeness and couldn’t help being secretly wary, though she only smiled: “Please speak.”

“The matter of Leng Xue being called by the Six Doors was my arrangement. Since you favor His Majesty, I wanted to let you follow your own wishes in everything. Leng Xue seems to already know I interfered—he’s certainly displeased. If you have a chance, please speak well of me to him. Working together in the Ministry of Justice, I don’t want everyone to have unpleasantness that would also trouble you.”

Suzhen hadn’t expected him to confess this matter to her. Her doubts deepened: “Wuqing, why are you so good to me?”

“I had a brother whose temperament was very similar to yours, unfortunately he died of illness years ago. Seeing you is like seeing him.”

Suzhen breathed easier. When did Leng Xue learn to be ‘bad’ too? Telling me to guard against Wuqing when he knew Wuqing was secretly interfering.

As Wuqing left, his lips curved slightly, his gaze turning sinister.

From the next section, plot points begin exploding. Everyone needn’t save chapters anymore, though continuing to save is fine too. You can think about how the bedsheets get rumpled (not saying next chapter immediately involves rolling around), whether Wuyan can smoothly leave the palace, why she would actively seduce Huo Chang’an, Li Zhaoting’s reaction to learning Suzhen is with Lian Yu, whether Little Zhou or Lian Xin will have developments with Wuqing, who Wuqing really is, whether Ah Luo actually died, why Quan Feitong would take a wife…