Rong Ke looked at Xiao Jingduo with a smile. Though her expression remained the same, her entire demeanor changed dramatically, transforming from a harmless little girl into the Crown Prince’s daughter, Princess Yangxin.
“Shall we make a deal? I’ll help you resolve the trouble your stepmother has caused and ensure your safety during these three years of mourning.”
Xiao Jingduo silently looked at her, his eyebrows twitching slightly: “You want those poisonous bees?”
“Yes,” Rong Ke nodded frankly. “I also want that piece of clothing of yours.”
Xiao Jingduo felt a moment of embarrassment, but quickly told himself, ‘Never mind, she’s still young and doesn’t understand the propriety between men and women.’
Rong Ke’s offer was exceptionally generous. Xiao Jingduo only hesitated briefly before agreeing. He returned to the mansion to retrieve Wu Junru’s poisonous bees, and also brought out the honey-soaked mourning clothes. As for what Rong Ke wanted with such lethal, undetectable poisonous bees, that was no longer Xiao Jingduo’s concern.
When Xiao Jingduo returned to Qingze Courtyard, he headed straight for the side room. Qiuju, hearing the noise, hurriedly followed him out: “Young Master, where did you go just now? Your cousin came looking for you.”
“Her?” Xiao Jingduo was rummaging through cabinets and drawers. Hearing Qiuju’s words, he frowned in confusion, “What did she come for?”
“I don’t know. Your cousin was particularly friendly to me. She waited for you in the courtyard for a long time but didn’t see you, so she had to leave. She said to notify her as soon as you returned.” Qiuju lowered her voice and whispered, “Young Master, I also heard that your cousin went to plead with the Marquis, asking him to let you stay in the mansion to observe mourning instead of being sent to the temple. Young Master, don’t you think this is a great opportunity? Why don’t you take this chance to get closer to your cousin?”
“Unsolicited favors are either treacherous or thieving. If she truly cared for me, she wouldn’t have ignored me these past few days. Now she suddenly comes to show kindness; though I don’t know what she’s up to, it can’t be anything good. Don’t pay her any attention.” The commotion caused by Cheng Huizhen hadn’t even registered in Xiao Jingduo’s mind. He found the mourning clothes and the jar, then got up to leave.
“Oh, Young Master, you’ve just returned, where are you going now?”
After sneaking out of the mansion the same way he came in, Xiao Jingduo saw Rong Ke standing in the empty street from afar, with five or six black-clad guards behind her. Despite her small stature, she didn’t look out of place in front of the tall, sturdy guards. Instead, she seemed perfectly natural, as if she was born to be followed. The slanting rays of the setting sun poured down from behind Rong Ke, gilding her entire being with a layer of golden light, making her dark hair and snow-white skin even more striking, like a jade beauty.
Seeing Xiao Jingduo return, Rong Ke didn’t rush, but just stood there with a gentle smile: “Did you get the items?”
Xiao Jingduo’s gaze swept over the five guards, and he understood even more clearly. He thought to himself, how could the daughter of the Crown Prince possibly go out alone? These people were probably already there when Rong Ke was talking to him earlier, but they had hidden themselves on her orders. Surely when Rong Ke’s horse was startled, these people were already chasing behind, but Xiao Jingduo had just been a step ahead. Even if he hadn’t been there today, Rong Ke wouldn’t have been in any real danger.
Xiao Jingduo also composed himself, cautiously approaching Rong Ke. The person standing before him now was not the little girl who had listened to his troubles earlier, but the eldest princess of the Xuan Dynasty. Or perhaps, these two personas were always one and the same.
Xiao Jingduo reached out, handing over the jar containing the bees. A man who appeared to be the head guard took it, checked it, and then presented it to Rong Ke with both hands.
Rong Ke took the jar, played with it for a moment, then held it to her ear to listen. Hearing something, she raised her eyebrows in surprise, her bright eyes looking directly at Xiao Jingduo: “Two?”
“Yes, the other one stung my stepmother’s nanny and died on the spot. Do you want that one too?”
Rong Ke smiled strangely: “Alright.”
She handed the items to the guard and then said, “Just wait patiently for the next few days. I’ll take care of your stepmother’s matter for you.”
A thought flashed through Xiao Jingduo’s mind: “You thought I would only give you one?”
Rong Ke just smiled, neither confirming nor denying. With her five guards, and possibly several hidden ones, she quickly turned the corner and disappeared at the end of the long street.
Only then did Xiao Jingduo understand Rong Ke’s strange smile earlier. There were three of these bees in total, with one dying that day. Rong Ke had assumed he would only hand over one, after all, such dangerous creatures could serve as a lifesaving trump card. Who would give them all away at once?
Moreover, perhaps Rong Ke had even prepared for him to renege at the last moment and raise the price.
Xiao Jingduo found it incredible. How had she grown up? Her thoughts were so complex…
As the sky darkened, Xiao Jingduo slowly walked back to Qingze Courtyard. Qiuju anxiously waited at the courtyard gate. Seeing Xiao Jingduo, she hurriedly rushed over: “Young Master, terrible news! The Marchioness wants to send you to a remote temple!”
“Mm.” Xiao Jingduo nodded, “I know.”
“Young Master, how can you be so calm!” Qiuju was frantic, “In such a place, your cries won’t reach heaven or earth. Even a normal person would be driven mad. Young Master, please think of something!”
“I’ve done what I can. Now, let’s leave it to fate.” Xiao Jingduo said calmly, then walked towards the side room. Before entering, he turned to Qiuju, “I’m going to the study. Don’t disturb me unless it’s important.”
Qiuju was left alone, pacing anxiously.
The next day, someone from the main courtyard came, saying the Marchioness requested Xiao Jingduo’s presence.
Xiao Jingduo followed the messenger to the main courtyard. Wu Junru stood at the door, looking at him haughtily.
As they passed each other, Xiao Jingduo heard Wu Junru whisper in his ear: “See? You still couldn’t beat me in the end.”
Xiao Jingduo found this statement laughable. He ignored Wu Junru and walked straight to the study.
Xiao Ying was sitting in the main seat of the study. Seeing Xiao Jingduo, he nodded slightly.
“You heard that day, the master said your killing aura is too heavy, which is bad for the household. As the head of the family, I must consider the entire marquis’s mansion. Since you also need to observe mourning for your mother, why not move to a temple? Use these three years to temper that rebellious nature of yours. After three years, I’ll bring you back.”
“Which temple?”
“A family temple in Dafeng Village. The head monk there has connections with the Wu family. If you go there, the abbot can look after you.”
Dafeng Village? That place is surrounded by mountains and lacks resources. Going there is no different from exile. More importantly, after wasting three years in such a remote area, Xiao Jingduo’s studies and martial arts would fall far behind. Trying for the imperial examinations afterwards would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.
Wu Junru’s move was indeed ruthless.
Seeing Xiao Jingduo’s silence, Wu Junru felt smug and wanted to provoke him further: “Don’t worry, Young Master. Although Dafeng Village is remote, its quiet environment, isolated from the world, is perfect for mourning in peace…”
Before Wu Junru could finish, footsteps were heard outside. A servant ran into the study, breathless and disheveled, hurriedly announcing: “Marquis, an envoy from the Crown Prince has arrived!”
“The Crown Prince sent someone?” Xiao Ying was shocked. He had no connections with the Eastern Palace, so why would the Crown Prince suddenly send someone to the Dingyong Marquis’s mansion?
Despite his confusion, Xiao Ying didn’t dare to be careless. He immediately stood up and called out loudly: “Quick, invite them in!”
Wu Junru also went out to greet them. Xiao Jingduo walked last, his previously expressionless face suddenly showing a slight smile. Rong Ke had acted surprisingly fast, settling everything in just one day.
The Eastern Palace attendant stood in the courtyard, not entering the house. After exchanging pleasantries with Xiao Ying, he got straight to the point: “Marquis Dingyong, Marchioness, is your eldest young master here?”
Wu Junru’s face stiffened: “What do you want with him?”
Xiao Ying glared at Wu Junru disapprovingly, then apologized to the attendant: “Please forgive my wife’s rudeness.” He then raised his voice, calling, “Xiao Jingduo, come here quickly!”
The mansion’s servants made way for Xiao Jingduo. He walked up to the Eastern Palace attendant and bowed properly: “Attendant.”
“Mm.” The attendant returned the bow, smiling as he said, “We heard that yesterday, the young master saved the Princess. The Crown Prince is very grateful for your noble deed and sent me to express his thanks. We also heard that the young master’s mother has passed away. The Crown Prince is deeply saddened. He recently experienced the pain of losing his mother too, and has always regretted not being able to observe mourning for the late Empress. Upon hearing of the young master’s situation, His Highness empathized and has specially decreed that you go to Qingyuan Temple to observe mourning for your mother. This also fulfills His Highness’s filial piety towards the late Empress.”
“He saved the Princess? And His Highness is allowing him to observe mourning at Qingyuan Temple?” The Eastern Palace attendant’s speech contained too much information, and Wu Junru didn’t know which point to focus on. When did Xiao Jingduo become involved with the Eastern Palace Princess? And did she hear correctly? Xiao Jingduo was to go to Qingyuan Temple?
Xiao Ying was equally shocked, but his years as an official had given him more experience than Wu Junru. He quickly regained his composure and took the opportunity to curry favor with the Crown Prince: “It’s a blessing for the Xiao family to serve His Highness. May I ask what shock the Princess Yangxin experienced yesterday? Is she alright now?”
“The Princess is well, thank you for your concern, Marquis Dingyong,” the attendant bowed slightly, then gestured for a young eunuch to bring forward some items. He continued, “The young master’s filial piety in going to Qingyuan Temple to mourn his mother is commendable. However, life in the temple is austere, and considering the young master will be there for three years, he will need some provisions. As the Crown Prince and Princess are unaware of the young master’s preferences, they have prepared some modest gifts for his journey.”
“The Crown Prince and Princess are too kind. What virtue does my unworthy son possess to deserve such consideration from His Highness?” Xiao Ying was overwhelmed with honor and quickly gestured for his servants to accept the gifts. The attendant, having delivered his message, took his leave. Xiao Ying personally escorted him out, continuously inquiring about the Crown Prince. However, the attendant merely smiled without saying much. Xiao Ying, suddenly inspired, switched to asking about Princess Yangxin. At this, the attendant’s expression softened, and he became more willing to converse with Xiao Ying.
As Xiao Ying and the Eastern Palace envoy gradually walked away, the study suddenly fell silent. Wu Junru looked at the gifts from the Eastern Palace filling half the courtyard, then turned to look at Xiao Jingduo, too angry to speak.
The morning mist had just dissipated, and sunlight flooded the ground, making the entire courtyard bright and warm. Xiao Jingduo stood in this beautiful sunlight, smiling at Wu Junru: “Madam, you just said that I ultimately couldn’t defeat you. It seems your words were premature.”
Wu Junru pressed her lips tightly together, her face taut with anger and shock.
While both involved going to a temple to mourn, going to Dafeng Village and going to Qingyuan Temple were completely different concepts.
Dafeng Village was desolate and uninhabited; anyone sent there would be wasting their time and wearing down their will. But Qingyuan Temple was different. It was an imperial temple, home to countless eminent monks and talents, including the world-renowned Master Mingjue. Many sons of noble families, scholars, and great Confucian intellectuals loved to go there to study and discuss philosophy. It could be said that all who came and went were great scholars, and it was a place countless people would do anything to visit even once. All who had stayed at Qingyuan Temple came out with their scholarship elevated to a new level, benefiting for life. Thus, guest rooms at Qingyuan Temple were in high demand, with even many well-connected people unable to secure a spot, let alone ordinary officials’ sons. Wu Junru had heard that an uncle from the Wu family once stayed at Qingyuan Temple for half a month, thanks to connections with the Cui family of Qinghe, and he still boasted about it to this day. And now, Xiao Jingduo had received the Crown Prince’s decree to stay at Qingyuan Temple for three years?
Wu Junru felt stifled just thinking about it. She had planned meticulously for so long, expending countless resources, connections, and money. Just when Xiao Jingduo was about to be sent away, at the last moment, the Crown Prince’s decree suddenly appeared, causing all her efforts to be in vain. Wu Junru couldn’t understand how Xiao Jingduo could be so lucky, not only connecting with the Crown Prince but even receiving such great honor from him.
In contrast to Wu Junru, Xiao Jingduo now felt very relaxed. The dark cloud that had been hanging over his head these past days finally dissipated. Xiao Jingduo breathed a long sigh of relief. His mother was already gone, and if he could have established his own household, he would have long left the Dingyong Marquis’s mansion. Now, being able to live outside, and at the renowned Qingyuan Temple no less, was more than Xiao Jingduo could have asked for.
So, with a smile on his face, he unhesitatingly called for servants to carry the Eastern Palace’s gifts. Right in front of Wu Junru, he returned to Qingze Courtyard in a grand, flamboyant manner, just short of beating drums and gongs.
He could finally leave this dark mansion. Xiao Jingduo reflected deeply that Xiao Ying, Wu Junru, and others who had brought him countless hardships would finally be left behind. A brand new life was slowly unfolding before him.
The news that Xiao Jingduo had received the Crown Prince’s commendation and would be going to Qingyuan Temple to observe mourning quickly spread.
During mealtime, the Old Madam specifically brought up this matter: “Going to the imperial temple is a good thing. It’s quiet there, perfect for cultivating one’s temperament. I heard from Xuelan that it’s full of learned monks. I wonder if it’s possible to bring one more person along?”
Without a doubt, the Old Madam certainly wanted him to take Xiao Jinghu along.
“I’m going to observe mourning. What would Second Young Master go for?” Xiao Jingduo retorted indifferently. “It’s the Crown Prince’s order, I dare not disobey.”
“How can you speak like that!” Second Aunt Xiao exclaimed dissatisfied. To her ears, Xiao Jingduo’s words sounded extremely inauspicious.
Xiao Jingduo couldn’t be bothered to respond. Seeing Xiao Jingduo’s firm attitude, Xuelan could only try to smooth things over. “Old Madam, perhaps we should let it be! Qingyuan Temple is on Mount Zhongnan. It takes two days for a round trip. If the Second Young Master goes too, you won’t be able to see him as often.”
“That’s true.” Old Madam Xiao immediately backed down. She had been swayed by Second Aunt Xiao’s words earlier, but now the thought of missing her grandson took precedence. “Then let’s forget it. Let Duo’er go alone.”
Second Aunt Xiao also didn’t want to part with her son, so she didn’t make a fuss when the Old Madam changed her mind. She said with a slightly sour tone: “I heard that the First Young Master received quite a few gifts. Those are things from the palace, aren’t they? Since you can’t use them all by yourself, why not bring them out for us to see?”
Qiuju, who had come to Gaoshou Hall with Xiao Jingduo, was so surprised her mouth fell open. She looked at Second Aunt Xiao in disbelief, her anger rising uncontrollably. Xiao Jingduo waved his hand slightly, signaling Qiuju not to act rashly, then said to Second Aunt Xiao: “One dares not refuse gifts from respected ones. If Second Aunt wants them, please go and speak with His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Second Aunt Xiao’s face turned red from Xiao Jingduo’s rebuke. Even the Old Madam said displeased, “How can you speak like that, child! Your Second Aunt wouldn’t steal your things. Why are you being so stingy? Gifts from the palace are all good items. Hu’er is at the age of growth, I wonder if there’s anything on the gift list that Hu could use…”
Xiao Jingduo remained silent. Seeing he didn’t respond, the Old Madam asked angrily, “You really won’t give any?”
“No, I won’t.”
“You…” The Old Madam’s temper flared. If not for her status as the old matriarch of the Marquis’s household, preventing her from scolding freely as in a farmer’s family, she would have started berating him already. But now Xiao Jingduo was different from before. He would soon go to Qingyuan Temple, and by the Crown Prince’s decree no less. Even as domineering as she was, the Old Madam didn’t dare to go against the Crown Prince’s face. So if Xiao Jingduo was unwilling, they really couldn’t do anything about it. The Old Madam calmed herself, finally catching her breath, and snorted coldly, “Since you can’t bear to part with those things, we won’t insist on having them. But really, the Crown Prince is too much. It was just lending a hand to the Princess, yet he sent so many things. How much better it would be to leave these for his son!”
Xuelan smiled and added, “Old Madam, you may not know, but this Princess Yangxin is quite renowned in our Chang’an. Not just the Crown Prince, even His Majesty grants her every wish. They say His Majesty doesn’t even hold his sons, but the Princess is on his knee all day. Even when the Princess writes, His Majesty teaches her hand-in-hand. His Majesty is skilled in warfare and martial arts, strict with the princes, but indulges the Princess Yangxin boundlessly. During wartime, he even brought her to the military tent for discussions. Now when His Majesty discusses state affairs with the ministers, she plays nearby. The ministers all say they see Yangxin more often than their own grandchildren.”
“A girl will eventually marry. If spoiled like this, how will she serve her husband’s family?” The Old Madam shook her head. “With this energy, it’s better to care more for sons and grandsons.”
“It’s said the Princess is precocious, clever beyond her years since childhood. That’s why His Majesty and the Crown Prince value her so much.”
“Still, she’s just a girl.” The Old Madam’s preference for boys over girls was deeply ingrained. Undervalued in her youth, she continued the vicious cycle of the previous generation by not valuing girls now that she was an elder. Thus, she could never understand the purpose of cultivating girls.
Xiao Jingduo couldn’t comprehend why his grandmother and Second Aunt harbored such prejudice against women. They were women themselves, yet held such malice towards girls. He sincerely felt that Rong Ke’s situation was good – able to do and learn whatever she wanted. It’s said girls should be cherished, and in Xiao Jingduo’s view, this was how parents and family should truly cherish their children.
However, Xiao Jingduo also finally understood why Rong Ke had so many tricks up her sleeve. From a young age, she had been interacting with people at the level of emperors, crown princes, prime ministers, and famous generals. Even a simple piece of writing would be evaluated by world-renowned ministers. How could she not develop such a complex mindset?
But then Xiao Jingduo remembered the hidden needle in Rong Ke’s mount, and he quickly dispelled that trace of envy in his heart. No one’s life is all glory without risk. Each person has their own fate, and there’s really no need for comparison.
After the Eastern Palace’s envoy came, although Xiao Jingduo still lived in Qingze Courtyard, his status had invisibly changed. The servants treated him with more care and favor, and even Xiao Ying had become more restrained. Such is the allure of power. With the departure day approaching, Xiao Jingduo spent these days packing in Qingze Courtyard, avoiding crowds and not going out. However, even so, he couldn’t find peace and quiet.
Just after sending away one group of people, as Qiuju was catching her breath, the gate of Qingze Courtyard was knocked again.
Qiuju sighed, resignedly going to open the door.
Cheng Huizhen stood outside, curiously peering in: “I’m here to see Eldest Cousin. Where is he?”
“The Young Master is in the side room.”
Having gotten the information, Cheng Huizhen didn’t even bother to reply and walked straight past Qiuju: “Cousin, I’ve come to talk to you!”
Inside the room, Xiao Jingduo rubbed his forehead. That fool Qiuju, why did she let her in?
But Cheng Huizhen, oblivious to Xiao Jingduo’s discomfort, chattered on enthusiastically, as if she hadn’t noticed his coldness. Or perhaps she had noticed but didn’t care – winning over a future high-ranking official couldn’t be that easy, could it?
“Eldest Cousin, as a man, you probably aren’t good at packing. Why don’t I help you organize your luggage?”
“No need.”
Cheng Huizhen said many more things, but Xiao Jingduo’s attitude remained distant. Finally, Cheng Huizhen said somewhat sadly, “Cousin, are you still upset with me? I really did try to plead for you that day, but Uncle’s word is final, and I truly couldn’t persuade him. Besides, although life in the temple is austere, staying at Qingyuan Temple is all benefit and no harm for you. You should understand this!”
Xiao Jingduo looked at her strangely: “I know.” This outcome was what he had strived for; did Cheng Huizhen think he couldn’t understand that?
Cheng Huizhen felt deflated. Xiao Jingduo’s life was exactly the same as in her previous life – in her past life, he had also gone to Qingyuan Temple, so she wasn’t surprised by this. She was just sad that she wouldn’t be able to see Xiao Jingduo often for these three years. The road to cultivating their relationship was still long and arduous.
“Cousin, I’ll miss you when you’re gone. I’ll write to you often. Please don’t forget about me!”
Xiao Jingduo’s eyebrows twitched slightly, his eyes betraying a hint of scrutiny.
If his cousin had been warm and kind to him from the beginning, he wouldn’t have thought much of it. But Cheng Huizhen’s attitude had changed suddenly, and these changes had occurred even before the Crown Prince’s envoy arrived. This was cause for alertness. What exactly did Cheng Huizhen know that made her behave this way?
So the more enthusiastic Cheng Huizhen was towards him, the more wary Xiao Jingduo became. Cheng Huizhen thought she was gradually improving her relationship with Xiao Jingduo, unaware that her actions were having the opposite effect.
Only sincerity can truly move people. After all, no one is more foolish than another, and one can usually sense whether intentions are genuine or not.
After finally sending Cheng Huizhen away, Xiao Jingduo heaved a long sigh.
When Qiuju ran in, she found that the Young Master’s gaze towards her was not very friendly.
Qiuju was puzzled. What had happened? Who had angered the Young Master?
Qiuju thought for a moment but couldn’t figure it out, so she immediately put it aside. She said excitedly, “Young Master, the second and third branches of the family have sent quite a few farewell gifts, and several ladies have sent things too. Would you like to see them?”
“I won’t look.” Xiao Jingduo had no interest in the intentions of people like Xiao Yufang and Xiao Yuli, who ignored him when he was weak but flocked to him when he was prosperous. Moreover, the royal family wasn’t called that for nothing; they were very generous. The things sent from the Eastern Palace were enough for him to comfortably get through these three years.
Xiao Jingduo privately felt that the Crown Prince’s willingness to place him in Qingyuan Temple, and thoughtfully sending gifts in the name of gratitude, was largely thanks to Rong Ke’s efforts. So with people like Rong Ke who had many thoughts, one shouldn’t play mind games. If he had really tried to be clever at the time and kept a poisonous bee, or used it to negotiate with Rong Ke, the situation now would probably be very different.
Qiuju followed Xiao Jingduo, helping him pack his things. Finally, Qiuju couldn’t help but sigh: “Young Master, you’re so smart, why do you have to live such a hard life? Although Qingyuan Temple is a royal temple, there’s no one there to serve you. You’ll have to do everything yourself. How much suffering will that be!”
Xiao Jingduo smiled a little, not knowing whether to be happy or sad about being praised as smart by Qiuju.
Qiuju didn’t understand why Xiao Jingduo was smiling for no apparent reason. She was still immersed in the emotions of saying goodbye. Qiuju originally thought it was too harsh to send a perfectly fine young master to a temple, but since it was the Crown Prince’s order, she also felt it should be a good thing. In the end, she didn’t know whether this journey was good or bad for Xiao Jingduo.
Finally, Qiuju let out a long sigh and forced a smile, saying, “It’s good to go outside, at least you won’t have to worry about all the messy affairs at home. Even if the Madam knows, she’ll surely be happy.”
Hearing these words, Xiao Jingduo, who had been eager to leave, also became downcast. After a long while, he said, “I won’t be here to look after you for these three years, so you must be careful. Don’t stand out in anything, try to stay in Qingze Court as much as possible. Your mind can’t outplay others.”
“Oh.” Qiuju nodded, looking at Xiao Jingduo with bright eyes, “Young Master, I know you have great ambitions. When you return, you’ll surely be a completely different person. That’s wonderful. The late Madam and I are both waiting for that day!”
Qiuju thought with some bitterness that if Zhao Xiulan knew this from the underworld, she would be at ease.
Qingyuan Temple was located on Mount Zhongnan, built along the mountainside with overlapping courtyards, dense bamboo and trees, and a profound sense of Zen. When Xiao Jingduo arrived, the bells of Qingyuan Temple were echoing softly in the mountains. The fresh, clean mountain air mixed with the wafting incense immediately calmed Xiao Jingduo’s heart.
The people from Dingyong Marquis’s mansion accompanied Xiao Jingduo to visit the head monk of Qingyuan Temple. A novice monk said the head monk was conducting morning prayers. They bowed once outside the meditation room and were then led away by the novice.
The novice brought Xiao Jingduo to the guest room, bowed with hands clasped, and then took his leave. The attendants from the marquis’s mansion helped move things. It wasn’t appropriate for them to stay long, so after unloading the belongings, these people bid farewell to Xiao Jingduo.
After everyone had left, Xiao Jingduo finally had time to examine the place where he would live for the next three years. This guest room wasn’t particularly large, with simple furnishings. Apart from a bed, a table, and a couch, there were no other furnishings, but Xiao Jingduo’s own belongings were scattered all over the floor. Standing in the quiet meditation room, he could hear the rustling sound of wind blowing through bamboo leaves.
For the next three years, he would live here.
Xiao Jingduo gathered his spirits and planned to go outside to fetch water, then properly tidy up the room. When he returned, before he got close to his lodging, he heard two novice monks talking around the corner.
“Is the person the Crown Prince mentioned staying in that guest room?”
“Yes.”
“Master Mingjue said his karmic burden from killing is too heavy. Why did the head monk and the master still allow such a person to stay here?”
Author’s note:
Mini scene:
Congratulations to Xiao Jingduo for clearing the level and achieving the [Leaving Dingyong Marquis’s Mansion Alive] achievement. The Dingyong Marquis’s Mansion stage is complete. Next level: Qingyuan Temple.
The Eldest Son System reminds you to seize the time at Qingyuan Temple to cultivate skill points. The Dingyong Marquis’s Mansion stage is always waiting for you to replay and dominate.
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