TSWRLM -Chapter 313 Heading to Wengzhou Again

Prince Ying had prepared a lavish spread at his residence and personally poured wine for Wei Lingze.

However, Wei Lingze gave him no friendly expression and spoke coldly: “If you have something to say, just say it directly. No need to beat around the bush—it’s disgusting to watch.”

The last time Wei Lingze came to Prince Ying seeking the antidote, his craving for the “Soul-Draining Incense” had hit at the worst moment. For that incense, he had crawled on the ground like a dog, begging Prince Ying.

Seeing Prince Ying again now, Wei Lingze felt only humiliation.

Despite Wei Lingze’s coldness, Prince Ying didn’t get angry. He smiled and said, “I’m going to Wengzhou. You know the routes well—gather some capable men from the Wei family and accompany me.”

Prince Ying spoke with complete authority, as if Wei Lingze and the entire Wei family were at his disposal at any moment.

Wei Lingze frowned, about to refuse, but then Prince Ying added: “The scandal over Princess Baohua’s death has caused a huge uproar. Wuyou Pavilion has stopped selling the Soul-Draining Incense. If you don’t agree, you won’t get any for the rest of your life.”

After speaking, he pushed a cup of wine toward Wei Lingze.

Wei Lingze had just endured a bout of withdrawal; his body was weak and uncomfortable. Though furious that Prince Ying was threatening him with the incense, he couldn’t bring himself to voice a refusal.

Lanshu seized the moment and whispered: “Prince Ying isn’t trying to threaten Young Master Wei—he wants to cooperate with him. If Young Master Wei can protect the prince this time, there will be all the Soul-Draining Incense he wants. He won’t have to suffer again, and he can even profit alongside the prince. This is actually a good thing.”

Good thing, indeed.

If it weren’t for Lanshu giving him the incense, he wouldn’t even be sitting with Prince Ying now, nor would he be at anyone’s mercy.

Wei Lingze cast Lanshu a cold glance, then lifted the wine cup and said to Prince Ying: “I can accompany you to Wengzhou, but when we return, you must hand this person over to me for disposal.”

His words dripped with deadly intent—whether he meant to tear Lanshu apart or punish him a thousandfold was unclear.

Lanshu, however, was unafraid. He smiled warmly: “Your life was saved by the prince. As long as Young Master Wei is willing to serve him, I will follow your orders.”

Prince Ying planned to leave quickly; the journey to Wengzhou would begin in three days.

After leaving the prince’s residence, Wei Lingze immediately returned home to gather men.

“Ze’er, you just got back home. Why are you gathering people again? Didn’t you get punished at the Dali Temple? Why did Shen Qingyuan arrest you? How are your aunt and uncle?”

Madam Yun asked, her mind full of questions. Wei Lingze couldn’t answer fully, only saying, “I need to go to Wengzhou once. I’ll explain everything when I return.”

“Why are you going to Wengzhou again? If anything happens, tell your mother. We’ll figure it out together—you don’t have to bear it alone.”

Madam Yun’s eyes turned red.

During this period, everyone else was watching Wei Lingze’s misfortunes, but only Madam Yun felt sympathy for all he had endured, seeing how worn down he had become.

Seeing her so concerned, Wei Lingze felt touched but couldn’t reveal that he had been addicted to the Soul-Draining Incense. After a long pause, he said: “Mother, I’ve done many foolish things before. After this trip to Wengzhou, I will apologize properly to Father. I will make sure I never make you worry again.”

His tone was sincere, and the restless, irritable air he previously carried was gone. Madam Yun’s heart suddenly fluttered, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

She stepped forward, grasping his hand: “What are you going to Wengzhou for? Is this trip dangerous?”

“No danger,” Wei Lingze avoided her gaze. “I’m investigating something. If it goes well, I might earn merit and be entrusted with duties again when I return.”

Hearing the possibility of earning merit, her worries eased a bit. As she tried to ask more, Wei Lingze quickly said: “Alright, Mother. I’m tired and need to rest. If Father notices I’m gone, please cover for me a little.”

Just then, Xingzhou brought hot water. Seeing his weary face, Madam Yun didn’t press further.

Ze’er has realized things—she should trust him once more.

**

Xiao Qinghe, Chun Xi, and Princess Hengyang discussed the establishment of a girls’ academy in detail. The next day, Princess Hengyang spread the news. Xiao Qinghe and Chun Xi began preparing intensively.

Night fell before Xiao Qinghe and Chun Xi finally left the princess’s residence.

Watching Chun Xi’s carriage depart, Xiao Qinghe was about to get in her own carriage when she saw Wei Lingze standing not far away, silently watching her.

It had been days since they last met. Wei Lingze looked noticeably thinner, dressed in black, his frame even more gaunt.

Feeling her gaze, Wei Lingze stepped toward her.

Xiao Qinghe didn’t move or avoid him. Querzhi, however, nervously positioned herself behind Xiao Qinghe for protection.

Stopping two or three steps away, Wei Lingze spoke with hesitation and nervousness: “I… want to say a few words to you. May I?”

Xiao Qinghe immediately sensed something different about him. She nodded and followed him to a street corner.

As soon as they stopped, Wei Lingze spoke: “I went to Wengzhou and experienced some things. I finally understand how wrong I was before. After thinking for a long time, I still feel I owe you an apology.”

His tone was sincere, eyes filled with regret and pain.

This was exactly what Xiao Qinghe had once wanted from him—but it had come too late.

Xiao Qinghe replied calmly: “It’s all in the past. I’ve let go. You don’t need to dwell on it.”

Her expression was serene, composed, and indifferent.

She had truly let go.

So she would not get angry over his stubbornness, nor waver now that he had finally realized his mistakes.

Wei Lingze’s mouth tasted bitter. He couldn’t bring himself to speak words of retention, only managing after a long silence: “Have you… been happy recently?”

Without hesitation, Xiao Qinghe nodded, smiling: “Very happy.”

Everyone in the Xiao family treated her well. No one blamed her over the divorce. These past two days, she had been busy with her aunt and the princess on official matters—it was fulfilling.

No longer distracted by love, she realized how vast the world was. She now had time to do things she had never even imagined before.

She genuinely enjoyed her current life.

Xiao Qinghe smiled brightly from the heart.

“If you’re happy, that’s enough,” Wei Lingze’s lips twitched, reflecting her smile. Then he added, “I’ll be away from Hanjing for a while. Don’t go to Wuyou Pavilion anymore. It’s not a good place. I know I have no right to interfere, but I’m just warning you—after all, Princess Baohua just had an incident…”

Perhaps fearing a misunderstanding, Wei Lingze’s speech quickened. Xiao Qinghe interrupted him: “Thanks for the warning. I know my limits. Anything else?”

Nothing.

They were divorced. Their past feelings had been exhausted. There was no topic left to discuss.

Wei Lingze’s heart ached. He shook his head: “Nothing. It’s late; you should go back.”

Without hesitation, Xiao Qinghe turned and left.

After the carriage departed, Wei Lingze stood there for a long time, like a statue.

On the carriage, Xiao Qinghe noticed a delicate phoenix-gold bracelet.

“Hmm? Where did this come from? I was watching the carriage all along and didn’t notice anything unusual. Should I return it to Master Wei?”

Querzhi asked in surprise. Xiao Qinghe’s eyes flickered, and she took the bracelet, saying faintly: “No need. It probably wasn’t from him.”

Querzhi was even more puzzled.

Besides Master Wei, who else would give a bracelet to Miss?