Why Should I Refuse You?

Xiao Ci’er has never forgotten the assassination in Tang Grove.

She returned to Ling’an only for revenge and had no intention of getting involved with Zhang Hezhi again.

But he cleared the thorny road to revenge for her, turning it into a smooth highway, while their old friends said nothing but good things about him.

He had rejected her affection back then only because he wanted to “keep his distance out of love.”

At Half-Month Spring, Xiao Ci’er said, “You no longer treat me as you once did, and I no longer treat you as I once did. It’s only human nature. Your Majesty, why defy the will of heaven?”

Zhang Hezhi replied, “Forget bare branches by the window and the late-rising moon, dreams painted in sleep and the wind passing the window. I insist on holding on to love in this world, promising to dance with you until our hair turns white, and to see your lovely brows relax for the rest of your life.”

Xiao Ci’er did not accept this long-delayed response.

But Zhang Hezhi did not give up on winning her back.

Without worthy men, how can a nation endure?

They establish a new Inspectorate, train outstanding inspectors, and expose the real culprit behind the scenes. The truth about the battle at Yaoshan Pass, long concealed beneath an old case, gradually comes to light.

The imperial edict decreeing their marriage falls from beneath the plaque in Xiaoxiang Palace. At last, Xiao Ci’er understands what Zhang Hezhi had hidden, and her own secret is brought into the light as well.

Afraid that she accepted the position of empress only because the court officials pressured her, Zhang Hezhi lets slip the existence of the marriage edict.

Xiao Ci’er asks in surprise, “A mere marriage decree?”

Zhang Hezhi turns aside, as if trying to avoid her gaze. Xiao Ci’er follows him and looks at him from the other side. “Did you agree to become emperor because of a mere marriage decree?”

“Yes. I knew you would laugh at me.”

“I won’t.” Xiao Ci’er drops her scrutinizing gaze and says solemnly, “You studied Tan Rui in vain and foolishly hoped to become a qilin. Can you understand what lies in my heart?”