Chapter 39
Ning Rushen was stunned: “Is this something I should be hearing?”ppnseuTjXBBOeMFXFhlhqKNWtBMrom
hzLBGnDHgIzBVKbHe glanced at Li Wuting’s expression, “If I listen, can I still leave here breathing?”adNaBWXdXowgyypBdBJuDYxsyoDYDF
XkYUnsqYKdxufnuLi Wuting replied warmly, “Ning-qing can even leave singing mountain songs.”HFrfnPrOTDGGVIoctDWoQptfkbgjDL
ICcadvCCMXhwrjfNing Rushen’s curiosity was immediately piqued. After pondering for two seconds, he couldn’t resist:bZdNIzHOBNcpKXuIYiimbaKjoXIJUL
crGIMLqvZOpRBkgLi Wuting gave him a glance, then waved the palace attendants outside to stand guard.tNQYOYDaQVUIMaamLwyCeeIrRfYGSq
OYYeCSjgyDOjchsNing Rushen, both nervous and expectant, kept his eyes on Li Wuting, only to see him walk over and hand him a bow:uVjamtBeImdmEdtUoxmeEulROqfXVJ
UBQwSHYKxdNZQcSIsn’t he supposed to tell him about the criticized sign?vZPIwBQvnOiUCWkgVdzdYRRYYIiymX
AbSwCFTZZgJLKWqNing Rushen met Li Wuting’s signaling gaze, swallowed his words, took the bow, and said, “Yes.”DBEbtNOAGYguBqnCbOLicGHpVRmvgB
JMcThpxmYHTkFXBHe hadn’t practiced in a long time and was a bit rusty.hpLWAMdYKbcHLXrJhEhgLllkrmMjFj
CpFeqgRacRKYPXYWith one arm, he drew the bow and aimed at the target in front, chest open and back straight, his waist tightened by the golden flower belt.ZiQnwuZOBWigpyLwkgIHeDEFlsUGGz
KSHARXBugPUcLHc“Why did you forget again?”EzZHQGqtuJCdYttFHKmajrvbztIHQh
krKZhAWvzuPUENWLi Wuting stood behind him, his hand pausing slightly, “Can you handle it?”FOFuRBIkNKKMEUfKeyinyWpGGiOOoU
NuZeXCNnmWECEnPA deep voice came from behind his ear. Ning Rushen, while drawing the bow taut, endured the heat in his ear, “…I can.”WyWyVlAcFMEQzFiSrCYIiUikPIovww
QMOOGlHquJcsZGfThat hand then began adjusting his shoulder and arm.wESCYjQhYttQyclGUBhZhUgYHakPXf
KhQnmpgDkVtZSflA tingling sensation lightly surged through his waist.nTqIqRlkUgYRBtiaCPnLxueHKvDYlC
xmFVSuUsvbOuIVgNing Rushen’s mind was still on the previous matter: why hasn’t he said it yet? Does he need to prove his archery skills first?TtLiteIUedhqpJupsAsaQdgPizuoaa
PIvHbhzInifYLHHHe guessed that might be what Li Wuting meant.BCozwUkalTKpRwbpPLKYfKCUcJOXjX
jZBpPDLVHWcZptaSo, he calmed down and focused intensely on aiming.RGCNNblcMWMesQtGupodVyeycslgPz
xVwCbOHYuzkmodKNing Rushen put all his attention on the target, gradually ignoring his surroundings. Fully concentrated, he suddenly heard the person behind him speak in a low voice: “According to the sign…”IHwgUaXsTRwAeJJRrnRexQIUAhaTDn
QakzXEMOyYESEcm“I have no wife, no heir, a lonely star, a solitary dragon.”FTZvuZsWaHZGLsKNSAYjYRKEGqsrbB
cpGwTfLyzygFaIPThe familiar shiver accompanied by the thunderous words directly pierced his eardrums.LJgViNPBBjuPfbarxceBcjmAdHjuYe
FPeXZwWAaCJkMomNing Rushen’s heart shook, his eyes widened in an instant!VIyMRKljvgNRxMRaLxhnieiVuePSAP
ZfsSOscJDSYFrPaHis fingertips loosened, whoosh—aLkzweDWtpbJbxQtNRzsWQSCEhuxvv
ddofnKeKlxnVfDRThe arrow shot out, directly hitting the bullseye.GjVqlBgRRTtALiFuoyWxEGEYIyfOGB
BQaSczEHCvGrayqThe person behind him stepped back, Ning Rushen, holding the bow, turned dumbfoundedly to look at Li Wuting in front of him.fTvTntpWdlyRYjtCsRGdHuoHLovtjA
MOoJHeoqaOsQRKrLi Wuting glanced at the arrow in the target, commented:pKRQnXCKwQBjoaJiptYHIdAtncQBEJ
TKeuMIoavIbKLon“Not bad.”xlzXKqHLzNmBuUcWuRNySzBZaoNKur
VFHgIvUcUPeosaX“…”PdSlVDGsatTrNnZGPXiGJCopvdyfxR
ryNwnYRzekMVGVENot bad, my ass!!!SCdcGyBqtQtDHnmIsREhfsOFjaJRMt
BoikXtlahqjHvDFRecalling those words, Ning Rushen almost wanted to shout at Li Wuting: doesn’t that mean—EombVHXFlraJyFHriANBVATdJTAvAy
gYopEDvVtIDpnRoLonely and desolate, dying alone.SDsmTJVseUwfRLWBGEhRsoDnusynQN
hyakmEeBaYZCNNjHe couldn’t even bear to think of the last few words.SvPxAmNeSdVipGkNlCSRlYTwKgQpWN
QmzIPMuTWwKiEvXWhen he looked at Li Wuting, the latter’s expression was as usual, seemingly unbothered. He even reached out and closed his gaping mouth:PUNhRHFYpKIUCRLFBgMAVxJmnhxeFI
hyKYqbtLIkMPNtL“Ning-qing, with your mouth open so wide, are you preparing to sing mountain songs?”BJILuPkgtCtAvmNrIQeopBeFIzSRCl
hpqByNapVbwwhNk“…”GfTtTRWUyCAbjcVJkPVtMNAvvdZJHo
JxlHGtDBpNTMZqVNing Rushen barely composed himself, “If Your Majesty wants to hear it.”dUjaYeMjIXkJWxMfHxuhHgDXipxEQs
FswMaHXnwTnYNbRI’ll satisfy you, just say it.pFUFWNTRzpdgHwZdTXxYCoMuWoIEww
DAkVoPGTFwKeKWsLi Wuting lowered his eyes, seemingly smiling, “Is Ning-qing pitying me?”uUNgzoNHBWGAcvKDdenvYjNcAjtlni
UDRvIUDoUjRgORZNing Rushen thought, not really.fPUAKonTlytJIiCavoRbCyMIAMLTmk
LsibzqFNbtimNSPHe just thought that with how well Li Wuting treated him and his love for the people, he didn’t want him to have such a fate.DQeonxIhHTmphcscJCQKlqaVMovJLm
FlLRPWwMIDvtmmhHe downplayed it, “I just want to make some sounds that will make Your Majesty happy.”tSwhvhbNPanVeDtkhvSsxcqTRKIhPg
ZMLXSGoWUwWRXocLi Wuting silently observed him for a moment.UJpWYTqQitHXEWhXiurscpdiUJezLi
BJNYDpHdwUTqmokA hand suddenly pressed on his head, warm, rough knuckles running through his black hair, lightly grazing his scalp, sending a tingling sensation.jYMllZdBArHPlppukXTyPNlLaTEMdj
CeyvKiCZbgiQVDGNing Rushen held his breath and looked up: ?KBLrSNoSGlXNJZzPLIlFdTwTahzuFQ
upFcSKJKqTqvxaQAfter two seconds, the hand shook his head a few times.KheLINwCIelSnwrLfBVDtSqoTxgPPZ
mzPLFAxQXGlVsZv“???” Ning Rushen felt dizzy, “Your Majesty… what are you shaking?”NcRIGRGAzOARYnUCmuUJvmoEylDImW
ycdYfZceloDeUZr“Listening to the sound in Ning-qing’s head.”qxPaVjpVtATIyqXRIOTMEFHCnXkDzY
mTZOwzLgLrbYwKPLi Wuting shook, “It’s very hollow, I love it.”TTIkvFZHYjFKKhEPvWFCDLxWgxDTPD
KxasMtNyTFQxOpn“…”yOkhTIMVDghGQvoVhexzuYpJyfKXWU
KTXgDmUYgiTaAsaAlright. You’re lonely, I’ll let you be.duFtKpvJgerMwmmYkIjUhYczmODvDx
tQuthqqsXpsgphwNing Rushen, dizzy and disoriented, was being shaken when a cautious voice floated in from outside:htzEuouyRVhXmDOaGLvZFMCOoJvEza
RVRbtYGsMHOJpwI“Your Majesty, the left virtuous monk from the Sengrusi seeks an audience.”AWwoUyCNOxpFFXTAGMctmiiOEewuaZ
QaFHHnenOzmTGWfLi Wuting’s hand withdrew, “Wait first.”PTmrSztVtoNtLRSmIFgZuPRqFWAqii
OLyFFmkmQFWXyuT“Yes, Your Majesty.”EhfnpjBLPyMsCsCevGHGojBeOteYgI
XsZhOOHvdyjMgzLNing Rushen took the opportunity to smooth down the ruffled hair on his head.VNbnTLyvrPovvAbgJaFEnfZGkFURTt
YpEAUZnrBfniwAbFrom above came a sudden remark, “Ning-qing needn’t worry for me, I’ve long accepted it.”tFMjSjDzGEhnOYTOHJhMarxewCiWxq
qGBmgFBlcHSEQbYHe looked up.FaGZIyFdHAhvTiatFGIEzHYZGpQAhq
sQOpUToiDeQfSouLi Wuting’s cold and handsome face showed no trace of worry, still as unmovable as a mountain.IWaPIBQiuXmpfwtunjYRnxKnURKnhD
WJDjuKalQpuBMFsNing Rushen’s chaotic heart inexplicably calmed down. He felt a bit more at ease: so be it, if the heavens closed several doors for Li Wuting, they would surely open a window for him.UXXesLbmJECPiNMmgGMAqTbnwyaeJp
LvofCnLZOxgYhZHHe comforted, “Your Majesty will have other blessings.”ZklyjRZbzUoPnbusNDqfngPIbOBIGS
poaHnlJsPwkkaUqLi Wuting looked at him for a few seconds, without commenting, “You may go back.”oNPyVGyYxnlfHrjgfoRDxDsixbJLbU
esrePpalEGTmjPyNing Rushen was about to take his leave when he was called back.teXGEFEjCaVihjooBlzIfGQcIdtLdV
eEnLNuuzlrkQJsJ“Ning-qing,” Li Wuting said meaningfully, “This matter is significant; I have only told you.”MvmSyfLBPXfWKLMqKPLTtnYQzhrlhw
MqFvyUuZGaIzjTANing Rushen understood, “I will take this secret to the grave.”uNdLgHfZENUGGkcfWcnfiOyKKAfslV
hLJLBCsztgCMQfH“…”esAzMPXIGlybZmhhewGKingIdGkzge
EfJLLSuHhFQclpMLi Wuting waved him off lightly, “That’s not necessary.”YtfrGGoegDEwQeBLWPnUJXeVdfpAzH
STFspilLLuiHQPj·nOUlUBEvMPCuQMAeYuIOLHKPGhjGOb
UIrqmVmFJRxMTHEAmidst the intense preparations, the Heavenly Blessings Festival quickly arrived.xAOmJBiECZpztObMsRDRmCSguJgcZZ
CPEyygCSkUHpiAcOn the sixth day of the sixth month, people would flip scriptures and air clothes.trRmiIzSSHhBUskxaGMlQFDhTnuZAs
hRriVEOhyyhGRpAThe new emperor, in his first year of ascension, chose to personally visit Shaojue Temple to ask for blessings.LxyJiUmIUBpNOdVEdQHOgzJwpdzdTk
AxwwJEeEgCqzwWvThis event was unprecedented.IBOIlQvOEXbrKREFnfthpBgIvVHKkJ
wqyPitdefwuaDDPNot only were there important officials and the emperor’s guards, but also Empress Dowager Shu and Prince Jing accompanied them.loEcvXeVxQdTBwbixjTcgfyRHwjefR
DlRVQhErOFyDDSYNing Rushen was summoned to join the procession.paMDUmHKGBGVuUkqFRAOkBmnivaUqD
LdMjnJYjILBAxAJA grand procession arrived at the foot of Shaoguang Mountain.xdomFjWsOEGPqcVORkcYWmilKuncgZ
etzdYCQRXaTMrIFLooking around, the entire mountain was covered in lush greenery, with golden spires peeking out, surrounded by clouds and mist, with the distant sound of bells.HuKNqibPHrNfDvwOjJJiAdMfbUxOaB
YEnEnoZrGmsVaMGLi Wuting was the first to step down from the dragon chariot, walking up the path.QSjZookkCsZqoCmnrzswXszMHxYGoI
gLPDthZcBhWtAopNing Rushen followed in the ranks of the officials, keeping a distance from Li Wuting at the front. As he watched the bright yellow figure from afar, the procession moved, and suddenly a head popped up beside him:ofzzLchaDgSGfbLPYWjRhbNIMAMlzS
sylljYmMqpVyZlw“Lord Ning, are you looking at my royal brother?”qyqmeZSDESHIKXFCAbgqsZtIxerCfX
zQeGtUkjZfBtyGO“…”XOpObxRMrDKWaxelGjTgIRrKubnirq
BDxmmwSMhWRBrYiNing Rushen looked down at Li Jingyu, who had squeezed in at some point, “Why are you here, Your Highness?”yFUmvdywEwrBqZCTwjuGsmjNMvpLRj
DdrArtXmyjkFZXPLi Jingyu replied, “To chat with Lord Ning.”nGzlbhKVAXzmCOXceFhobhkQXePJks
EHsaOOQReEPviQYNing Rushen thought for a moment, “Alright.”CyOwgEoAnoDGgdCcltMKJENgUQKIky
bdbeBZkyzaNchGhThe two continued climbing the mountain.kRWAbYEBgquDJesBjuzRQiEgQQKtHi
gLSYzSWjupbOemzNing Rushen looked at the temple roof of Shaojue Temple and recalled what Li Wuting had revealed to him that day.MLrLwxLhOiGSFIKPSdareYmQPOkqfF
zNlpIDgHEWSMTUoHe glanced at the short legs beside him: So, is Li Wuting planning to pass the throne to Jingyu?zGjkrRRqiuMfRkzLExgtsHMfvCyWjX
OkFnfdYlCUlGUSKLi Jingyu was sharp, “What is Lord Ning looking at?”PNaUXomWzAICieyzJtSRSfnIvbfWCs
uLTIHZRxdKcBhdBNing Rushen, slightly out of breath from the climb, subtly hinted, “Your Highness seems to have grown. Clearly, you have an upright posture and excellent bones… phew. In the future, you can shoulder more responsibilities for His Majesty…”YHtRQxPfgaxiKBDUthEOErZDoXukUS
KJcEuzGiSdzfUNjBefore he finished, a hand supported him.GfxeqWCmfJEviFjuvqtQXBFNFzFBbf
gdvBqeVHlKULNFNLi Jingyu looked at his pale and fragile face, “My royal brother might not need to, but I will first help Lord Ning.”WnfvmxqTKGkVarYcDqgqJYEKMYLdnF
JqJiBzGkWiguRfy“…”YOXvbTsZysOSXxJvXBmhYoyvucxobC
oBTFLFuZVuPYqCtNing Rushen, “Thank you, Your Highness.”cawDBvvoPCWMHUqruQPwvItJpeuuFl
CQaxpJoUGlgcqeu…tsYYmsZszcraHSnIhPqzYttYyTPCpj
vkKmmjYSsdPdMNnHalf an hour later, they finally reached Shaojue Temple.LKFeSPqzKXFSjaDNEPoUasYNeXRXyY
koQAiIyQoqIGnXwThe temple gate was ancient and majestic, tranquil and serene. Bathed in sunlight, it seemed to exude a shimmering golden glow.aOQGipDXIGSuZjCheAkCaYuuFbHSBn
sGqItzPYiWrDkSmNing Rushen entered the temple with the procession.zYdQHpfBRGLsXQXVVHDEHYMfSLvqbv
TuLjIvMnihvCFTRThe temple was already prepared for their reception.zeRgPQvZNLVRJZSOeMYPatBPFmMrMo
nVYNXpLUtVqRPDRA group of monks greeted them, led by the abbot in a golden-red kasaya, his face smiling:HNdKFaxAkLrHHtLVvHywOtPrWcIFQa
FiXUYVGxDUGpNPM“Your humble monk welcomes the Holy Emperor.”uHyuyslGZvZIcUvxoBBsYgTnfayduY
OEabRPXUWmQXuFRAfter a few rounds of formalities, they were led into the hall.OWFzlJAaykAjmipExZIPAWjiBmbSmi
cUuUycMWgiCbmirThe hall was bright, the golden Buddha statues imposing.CynwJPwGYrQWJoYItZzitiPTQjREek
oUhrsDmucwPLTUXAfter a series of elaborate rituals, Ning Rushen followed the chanting and bell ringing, bowing a few times, and the blessing ceremony was over.otJRfWjCyPfeKXkOGrhzBONVtOOlAh
UiThbFvpaVEoIcKThe remaining time was for individuals to light incense and candles.PeUMRQOMBksJadHGFdfQXDymoDPBgl
oZqHnHzBuydOwjcThe crowd dispersed.TcOpJHNvaSiuJYaYZYsMZAAppXGezZ
UhdqDiFemDUwpGaNing Rushen stood up, his gaze passing through the officials and monks, noticing Li Wuting standing not far away, opposite the kind-looking abbot. Their voices drifted over:FtASwCuxUitpdbUweLkycvdybGxQYi
xuHHywHqWfTlIYh“Master Jingxi.”SvzjHUQmVrXqVZvNvmeWnTiAwszBRf
vEOXdhfycgittDH“Your Majesty, long time no see.”ZTJVwUGRwQSigZYVDfSjuaHvnKNtAR
JLkvpMTfDBupzQJWith these words, Li Wuting’s expression slightly changed, but the surprise quickly vanished.sIzUxhuzdFEymPfdvObTqJbLNxnayZ
PUwopRMEFDLdovcNing Rushen caught this from a distance:aLVWfLuTmgKfPRHkBrfFbMmktXDpeh
llbvPdyDezLCtmuWhat’s wrong? What’s the problem with “long time no see”?LTtNbDmAEalvWtLPKEgLrMGlQmNwde
XIFRCKKlAjRKvBSIsn’t it normal to see the master from time to time?SPyxQMkjMpaxhPnOmoVPKyujStQAfX
iDyqSXbYsoJdUWEThe two seemed to exchange a few more words before Master Jingxi made a gesture to invite, and Li Wuting stepped away.PHpRGqvKMSGSYNlLAVhNNjvWxjlBfO
qZzwLErmttoTVVLTheir figures soon disappeared behind the hall.VAYdPqZaUFAEAuTEhOjxwdcfSiJflQ
gdNfVkbgoNhehcmNing Rushen stood still, his gaze not yet withdrawn.BAWUrkLynLhtTStWKZAgNUhXhCNrlm
duMdDlcErMLrbAHAt this moment, his sleeve was tugged.higgsErlMSXLXtulxSPVYJoeocZrnp
PqXCiCzvZtHVLiGLi Jingyu looked up at him, “Lord Ning, are you secretly watching my royal brother again?”kovpfMYnhnfCnEivybICscEovkTkqk
TXNSbLtuaThzshWNing Rushen looked down: …What do you mean by secretly watching?SfmLhbkgwBqUlrWvZgzmlTaxUSmNiM
lTpkwohVRPwEZBJHe’s not like Prince Xuan, climbing walls everywhere.VRmemcLESJTTOnIblamVHlVKjLSlNH
RzhhgmxminErsmUHe skipped the topic, “Does Your Highness need something?”rcArvrpKmdvTkSFNTyAerkpWzWcTJv
MOKpJqlMScUggNeLi Jingyu said, “My royal brother and Empress Dowager Shu have gone to the back, I want to make a wish and light a candle. Would Lord Ning join me?”RzHJvkCmDOEHAKuinSNvqUDMxruLDf
KvHOfVqMsVEPSErNing Rushen nodded, “Let’s go.”NsnoUcMWBXzqGWGuFmokYmDVERZcey
EzMwAcijvHSstZe“Mm.” Li Jingyu happily clung to him.JrLYAGldQFpHZhFEbJHVNBcbrzCJkg
PHmbSKyyKdVCRjX·dqfjxHlMXGikZLlkLWpsDboJsrOOQY
sxiYWmjdntUZxiONing Rushen initially thought there were only a few places to make wishes and light incense.vuxtCviYgGBEoogFDCVZeldAtIpLfW
NfxhevKKWVaTZJeUnexpectedly, following Li Jingyu’s twists and turns, they ended up in a secluded courtyard deep within the temple.CefqexVgULcOBUIPCMRXTQjRLgXcTc
NubHxVaasVNTuKLAt the courtyard gate, a young monk greeted them, “Your Highness.”HTElPdaaEvYJFehiRFLzvAmZikYSWl
yYoikYMZMDrjnZcLi Jingyu, familiar with the place, led Ning Rushen inside.ZQPrdcuNRpfZYSNclJBUmvpzIJYtqH
RxSWPgQqLSdXQZWNing Rushen looked around the courtyard, noticing the mottled yellow walls showing signs of age, with a towering bodhi tree in the corner.aSRnSuNKmNHWkeqYPRFmHiGZWvrhpe
cLrAGxBogzHLldrIn front of the courtyard stood a Buddha statue, flanked by niches with lotus lamps.lzlwYZSQAmIWMYLiHUcfpfuucuFsqy
QolOHtWcdGpEsVqBefore the Buddha statue was a bronze cauldron, filled with clear water, with a few delicate golden lotus lamps floating on the surface, each with a small flame.fUBuJoSVfnZOZjEevGzTFUDFJpoxNV
bprEMjGZmWlNwUCLi Jingyu whispered to Ning Rushen, “These golden lamps are rare, only twenty-eight are issued each year. I secretly brought Lord Ning here, don’t tell the others.”UQIrfmNzcpiFXIVisZnkHqRpavqZAr
WrFnQjXLvhQIAVsNing Rushen nodded, “I won’t say a word.”tErztHPtEWHKvnSbDtEFoUDAfGtfwq
pGrjtmuSpnRUSceThe young monk brought the golden lamps for the two of them.glJoBOLtFjZcZsPJryUDbsajxAPWpk
cYnLtaUklRKoPNjLi Jingyu asked, “Lord Ning, have you thought about what blessings to pray for?”ffYAnvirOfZMdKRxDIRdoJreXrNwGt
fUaxMUjkiWuSvOFNing Rushen paused.dptoWbHhLRJNXbyPDefvuyfOuHfvmr
QuzquscRVlDYEQRIn this world, he had no family or close ties, and his own life was relatively peaceful and satisfying, without any significant desires.bBivTaLfBZZIfIKRuweKnbAsFSVwTA
QfbNWjuxRcSoKDSExcept for wanting to gather money and food every day and retire early.trAKQQkaJFiCuEaDOrRPaEENztuBaX
YyOsAkBJpBRYAeSHe stared at the golden lotus lamp in his hand for a while, and Li Wuting, with his unfortunate fate, suddenly came to mind.zDGqMTLXldzxJRzxZQFDUnyLHQMumo
IWKpwWzROQJxGwxThinking of all those luxurious clothes and fine food provided…luYVgXaaBkxFsHBeNTycemzwtfzQdY
nQPqeSkMSsiYeBFNing Rushen felt a pang of conscience, “I will pray for His Majesty.”ckfbcCnZhyyxQGENXieDgzMYCnqCpg
nhtSNhOtiHuvlLzLi Jingyu’s eyes sparkled, “Oh…”VeWipGqgTOhsARzBsSOmjmFVDtymxC
siAmHVMhQzrSDHTNing Rushen turned his head, “And what about you, Your Highness?”yMfiOGWWdDyjoakILwaGTKTzqBGyKc
pMEJgmhGilUAyBdLi Jingyu said, “My royal brother has protected me in many ways, but I have never been able to repay him. Therefore, naturally, I will pray for my royal brother.”AdEHEWeUBkPxdNALyHTqpoGtMZsGtF
txBjYhvFclHfHDRNing Rushen seized the opportunity to give some advice, “Your Highness’s sentiment is rare. In the future… just doing what you can for His Majesty will suffice.”GMVsjeSaMsSwuJcakPAfWAbCsbDrxF
GrnWFYqZldmCmefLi Jingyu thought deeply, “Lord Ning is right.”rhKDkPgaPtPPzomLJhmDnQkbkyEUTg
qAVbWMaBvOtGkLMNing Rushen said, “Let’s pray first.”FNzrdgYJTetIeYTEPPNKBQpRSNxivZ
HygXJZZAvIuZbTyHe placed the lotus lamp on the water surface and lit the wick.GvgnNimPlWaKnXZYqcDJTMSEUQMxwf
sOZMDCaXZUtcwjmLi Jingyu mimicked him, “Lighting a candle for my royal brother.”GUGmtSwOwnteNmezDrtiheAvPYNBki
BDLfemsxlSQspkg“…”gHKQrrtSmMnpUalLdkRbCgHEVnoWAp
lTPPpUvxPFbEkniNing Rushen followed suit, “Lighting a candle for His Majesty.”tobrcsiYoncroBDXKCwuDszkIlGDAi
wSlQLuszaGfCtKsThey both clasped their hands together and closed their eyes, “Amitabha.”SzAlGlvOtoGgDEgIbBRJSTpQaFdghV
cMlyhAHPvrxiIoVMay Li Wuting be blessed with a good life and never be lonely.ABbVNOqIwvgcxCrtsyIobSDzmwvIax
FCZIYmXGomjzJHa…FBXpuRcDWKQmABThitXLFrpbnYMIIs
RubNjWDDSZkrDRMElsewhere, in the tranquil and serene Meditation Hall.PVMbfCbrbtCRoMoxasGXXKiCuNibwV
CbKuwBxbvQYRDHoLi Wuting, for whom two candles had been lit, was sitting opposite Master Jingxi, his clear and handsome face seemed contemplative.zoGlaPnNfUlbSwrmBPXXovqcisJCsK
jtUDZheRTBBMIMCMaster Jingxi smiled, “The last time I saw Your Majesty was also around this time.”gEqsnJKDhbcoodAquEgZFtVcOJEEOq
SJyUruGPYNsdKXZLi Wuting responded softly.PkwZWKcLimhnNeIROJtLjSXREGsuNj
hsipPTKvJDQrAOBHis thoughts drifted back fifteen years to the coronation ceremony of his previous life: it was on this day that he first met Master Jingxi.dSlSYdbAEZMHBHvQsFpDGuisSHAsYU
TFSAyPglpbVuKZbHe had received the fortune “No wife, no heirs, a lone dragon star.”qpzhXOxElccIokJUcxjvsNvkBxKOUz
CFxNNLkEbtxpdGt“Your Majesty’s state of mind has changed a lot since then.”gBbBPUMjjfaloEskAJZETcGgLrBvZG
MvYhKOiNxYYnJEf“With more experiences, naturally comes change.”pKjJISdHewfYMfFeTjMrcNsExVaEET
cPEdrMWZTefiiEELi Wuting’s long fingers tapped his knee.qVuDznFBPvFfiCMPLTsoVhZYEDBZKE
mclcXpwCldQiucPIn his previous life, his harem was empty for half his life. Even when courtiers urged him to take noble women, they couldn’t enter the palace for various reasons.oNIDQifhEGyLTPWOiEmGtXskYaNkEh
UKyklqPfajcQJHkThe old factions spread rumors, causing chaos in the court, which took him a lot of effort to settle.tzSHxguUAjsicvFehUeViydmChzDOc
KLeZVsqIUSNInAa“Is it the same fortune this time?” Li Wuting asked.BQmLKbDkrJHRyNorWWZeuMfDuWgQDD
eZsCBajuGjZniIo“The same,” Master Jingxi nodded.tXgPWtWVKKtDPWgDTQOgzNOLhLaUHh
vieSdkUFSImMQMtLi Wuting indifferently curled his lips and stood up to leave, “Thank you, Master.”nFQPahdEqqcsyXEaRSPCevefYmALIM
XxmcyQXMsZUmEihHe was about to exit the Meditation Hall when he heard from behind:DZasMYJBfOeytgiEmzEFbAteKNCqUc
tobpFkcowIKkiJR“It’s the same, but it’s just a fortune.”lSCkleANlIcQOircPYAgOjwaEHJFyV
taYzwmAhtUEnegFLi Wuting’s figure suddenly froze.wSsmjUXcdrDascAqqpnmVzuLTQHzeD
pzgFKkXRelXRnBkHe turned to look at Master Jingxi sitting on the mat. In the quiet and serene meditation room, the latter’s smile remained unchanged. A slanting light fell through the window lattice, with dust floating in the air.lHZJExAHVJEocTjlQCCMxBodtXGHDd
wECcdzdSxZaRBHsThe fortune was the same, but too many things had already changed.SlxMmSjYQHCbsuZCrhkapxNlSWNcny
SrnpqjjutOJAgVULi Wuting felt a stir in his heart.qzjasmAdlktKYmbrmQtmiZGbYyhefF
FBMZdjBjFFnpCvLHe quietly thanked the master again and left with big strides.HPjoEmAieGIFAskNLTGwdqSKtRTdSa
BvrCZMvRpNlUjuD·XEcTwXcwwfUCFEUxOqwRUqyIcbtDQh
GsiiSNQTsfagTOnThe emperor would stay at Shaojue Temple for two days and one night to pray for blessings.GYJeynEVKQDrHOCMxXoThmIZigCaSs
OpreoaNhytAlogTBut not all officials had to stay overnight. By evening, most of the accompanying senior ministers had taken their leave.kiRclEzYShtuAwrvtiHuXcmkakSubl
beWFuSHGVHhnuIfNing Rushen did not leave with them.igbvEJmSabOoItFAbzHdMxyjfwXJyj
uDpEPNavlYAzoDoHe inexplicably felt that he shouldn’t slip away first.FQYVrZoTDGYjJsWFknbSuDdKQwNrxC
eXYGnWHDSdxUdVCAlso, he was somewhat exhausted: climbing up the mountain on foot had drained most of his energy, and he had spent the afternoon accompanying the energetic Jingyu.vPkumGAnpqacYIALbmiYYVBvNAOPpU
KodZGDdxVtqGZbuAfter dinner, he returned to his assigned room.LiySQpupolVInwzlYGfBOWgadeDqPG
iUIUEzpxUFuutgWNing Rushen found a young monk and asked him to bring a bucket of hot water.ngGoVncVGsDZmHIEphmHUiyWGcgdbF
enNkzaDERxbwaIIThen he closed the door, hung his clothes on a half-open screen, and comfortably immersed himself in the hot water.ScwVhenRUrZsculqdKDWCzSIfpJurP
BDfGPTyzPjAHmzcThe slightly hot water quickly warmed his whole body.WuSGLXoMUxAvqAOINyjKGiWDXEvaci
DRxSPKNquwPNaOAHis black hair spread freely in the water, steam rising, soothing his limbs and bones, dispelling the day’s fatigue.xJbeYGNILaFGSXSnPdIRyefKnPqweL
igwMRjuTlDjvPwaNing Rushen hung himself on the edge of the bucket and closed his eyes.DTMukpqwagKegoeYELqXPRQMMxGDnd
YrcPPzVBXBlfeFhIn the overly comfortable water temperature, he quickly fell asleep.tFzqKjTnvQOWEoRAitkJCAaEJRsNJP
pWPUYTTftMCLTOf…yapfHoGJxfpKaOXYcrkPccQSeDQUlW
cjxVOumtHRTWiTWTwo quarters later.yzezCWrnVcgMnpkuxRMfUSkvItHfaE
KZvySbGbsDNBkhHThe young monk, estimating the time, prepared to come and collect the bucket. When he reached the door, he saw it was tightly closed and there was no sound inside.FoJZoCdhTkwBYIhWjqZyGjlFbhWCwg
AgTVNwgwgTyYdDWHe knocked lightly, “Master Ning?”QxAkVeAsYjaBCyYRFiuYVHqyRwIlke
XviKfOeSMcPOTseThe sound entered the room and mingled with Ning Rushen’s dreams. He slept soundly, without waking.RmRKofcnGUYzAPDMBFogOoRqtLIXTp
xwIsllqDPSoCFwwThe young monk called a few more times without response.tYfHoolyElkhZGJpLwLdtCqFtbXCTS
FYGbduiHAxGnpwrThinking of Ning Rushen’s frail appearance, he became worried. He wanted to go in and check but feared it would be inappropriate.VMpiEGchTFslXqGgsjSqNQjwbmqtAf
dtPkJsqOQldArmTHesitating, he suddenly heard a childish voice ask:zLPzUeZsMkskTncwclgJYJUescQqgx
zyxHSwvlIToacwc“Little monk, is Lord Ning in this room?”wHCAKWRCoaTjewNJWqFWEmhvctOKxW
NZVyANsYAYbaKeaThe young monk turned and saw Li Jingyu, quickly bowing, “He is in this room. But Master Ning requested bathwater earlier, and now there is no response. I am worried and unsure if I should call someone to check.”ZjwasTZGdxHDFEmCeBrHgaJWySXbul
FEgxtxxMZpcoZqtLi Jingyu’s face changed, “Of course, call someone! I’ll go get them—”BEsOBkMMsgJWZgsnYCzhkLHaBKjTMy
PoJkLqbBLdHLGZsHe turned and ran off.fasVlfGnVzbJaTkszdkVdmVHVDPbak
bAxWwupLMMKPYcSThe young monk watched him run quickly, alarmed, “Your Highness, where are you going?”AnFAkbhyLtJmsosSaWoXkuNvWyqklO
pqOyrKniewiCkKY“To do what I can for my royal brother!”yZQsjwDjpGWoIXjcyiFRLUpzcfKxfy
xpGjTGNbsPJlnUU“…”xfhhvYJeMhGZVDAUvWssTleAiRivmj
JmZGXBbAzXshptnFor His Majesty? Isn’t it for Master Ning??gtXcOFMXFXwPMZbVDIlepUnIgzozrP
JPjQMIFUQQoYvqh…imLBHwKCloahHsdcGhUummcvhpriNi
dlAqpZPNoZsVIjcIn the meditation courtyard.aFirAMbgpRUVIVYXuCZJHDaXQMKtWI
kNHnuUgNRPoNBJRLi Wuting was sitting at a table reading scriptures.sQmrpRrXuYSrlfJAedahNqSdBaqNVD
DZTBsFlLsxvwFZBHe had changed out of his dragon robe, his dark clothes setting off his jade-like fingers. His fingertips slid over the yellowed pages, pleasing to the eye.KiifnvCqrWrqxUifSiqLamMtEEMNMk
KRUtqLfbVVDGqRlDe Quan was serving beside him, white smoke curling from the incense burner.EsVQfOgWelymSqsJiRLioYOWhbMkYN
LSHXSuujyPXjZcMIn the quiet, they suddenly heard, “Royal brother!”xtKdUCvyVcrGoPBOfUFpLIXGSFzdhq
yFRbpnKGRAaXXRELi Wuting looked up to see Li Jingyu rush in like an arrow, clinging to his knees.ZzZotnrksYiylGJnTHncAYbtSfWves
uJSOchFJokgQJiLHe frowned, “Why the panic?”ohnoXDqIfAwVCjEQtHMIssqLDSzYLw
mYZMXqHmocdhckx“Lord Ning is soaking in water and not responding!”blNareSQUKQZuErcojVJKiDlUVgOdc
XtuZaZtApbDLrRXLi Jingyu was anxious, “Royal brother, save him!!”TNOYFqnBGnRzszLfgtDRZmiJicGGjt
zMfbwjxeTxSlAsgNymorhLCzzaTKvTXUTPKkLGFWZgtIR
This clever little bunny. 🐇