With a loud thud, a rather large figure collapsed behind them… It was the man from Yu Chun Tower earlier. Seeing that his attempt to vent anger and intimidate had failed, he was overcome with shock and anger, and actually fainted. Young Master Xia did not approach; he merely flicked his sleeve and walked away. As he reached the entrance of a secluded alley, a figure leaned against the wall, smiling slightly, “If they knew that this seemingly frail young master was the legendary Young Master An from the past, I wonder if they would dare to act so rashly.” Chapter 36 Young Master Xia seemed not to hear, continuing to walk forward at a leisurely pace. The shadow then straightened up slightly, raising his voice, “Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me. You might fool others, but not an old friend of many years.” Young Master Xia paused, his eyebrows slightly raised as he looked at the man, giving a slight bow, “I’m afraid, sir, you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” “The skill you just showed was quite impressive!” the man said with a half-smile, “But throwing the ring in Yu Chun Tower was even more dashing. Some of the blood jade you shattered might have come from the osmanthus forest I lost to you… Are you now planning to deny everything?” Young Master Xia gazed at him for a long time, the curve of his lips fading, his tone turning somewhat cold, “Young Master Di, do you not believe I could silence you right now?” “Not that ruthless, are we?” Di Yinhai touched his nose, “I just wanted to find you for a drink.” Jun Yean’s expression softened slightly, but Di Yinhai continued, “Since you don’t want to be in the public eye, I certainly won’t cause trouble.” The only place left with lights on was a small tavern by the road. Jun Yean led the way inside. Once seated, Di Yinhai asked, “Who painted this face of yours? With a face like Pan An’s, you indeed look like a pretty boy.” Jun Yean smiled but did not reply. The waiter brought a small pot of wine, a plate of boiled pork, and fried peanuts, saying “Enjoy,” before dozing off behind the counter. “You said you were retiring, yet you redeemed Chuxue in Luoyang. What’s your plan?” Di Yinhai asked while pouring wine, “Planning to return to the martial world?” “With the Flower Festival about to open and you, Young Master Di, soon to marry, what event could overshadow these?” Jun Yean said indifferently, “Besides, the greatest retreat is to hide in plain sight. Meeting Chuxue was just by chance.” Di Yinhai laughed, “Our meeting after more than two years is also by chance.” The young master drank the white wine in his cup and smiled, “You, Young Master Di, are a man of your word. It’s a pity I didn’t thank you in person that day.” Di Yinhai also finished his cup in one gulp, sighing slightly, “Back then, we made a bet outside Cangzhou. You said someone would bring three great gifts, but they might bring both fortune and misfortune – indeed, half a year later, you retired. I lost the thousand acres of osmanthus forest, yet I deeply regret the prophecy of that day.” Jun Yean put down his wine bowl, noticing that Di Yinhai’s face showed little regret, rather a sense of satisfaction, which left him slightly surprised. “…But losing that thousand acres isn’t much of a loss.” Di Yinhai laughed, “Indeed, fortune and misfortune go hand in hand.” He slowly poured a cup of wine, passing it to Jun Yean, “Zixuan, are you planning to settle in Luoyang?” Jun Yean took a sip of wine, gave a faint smile, and sighed, “Where can’t be home now?” Di Yinhai laughed heartily, “Good, good, at least stay for my wedding celebration.” “I wonder which lady will be the future Mrs. Di?” Di Yinhai did not answer directly, a sly look passing through his eyes, “By the way, she loves to hear Chuxue play the zither. Would Zixuan be willing to lend her for a few days?” Jun Yean smiled faintly, “As you wish.” Di Yinhai was overjoyed, “Thank you very much. I’ll have her brought here tomorrow.”
The weather in Luoyang in March was clear and warm, with peonies in bloom and willow catkins flying. Due to the Peony Festival, merchants from out of town and tourists crowded the main streets. A sedan chair left Yu Chun Tower and entered a secluded courtyard. Chuxue alighted from the sedan, led by a young maid through the front yard who apologized, “My mistress has gone to the White Horse Temple and will return this afternoon. Please rest here for now, Miss Chuxue.” Chuxue smiled, “No problem, I promised Young Master Di to stay here for a few days.”
At almost the same time, the side door of the small house opened, and a simply dressed girl stepped out briskly, not using a sedan or horse, but walking towards the east of the city. The White Horse Temple, famous for its “White Horse Carrying Scriptures,” has been home to many eminent monks throughout history and remains a vibrant place of worship. Taking a shortcut from the main road could save some distance, and the girl seemed very familiar with these paths, navigating through them with ease until she entered the temple.
The countryside scenery was picturesque, with lush green grass and a refreshing, slightly moist air. Occasionally, farmers could be seen working, and from afar, the temple’s incense smoke rose, giving a sense of peace just by looking at it. After walking for half an hour, the girl joined several pilgrims, entering the main hall to kneel respectfully before the Buddha statue, her hands clasped in prayer. Her sweat from the journey had vanished as if evaporated by the solemn atmosphere of the hall. In the center was a statue of Buddha giving a sermon, with a monk in plain clothes tapping a wooden fish, the sound echoing continuously. After her prayers, the girl stood up quietly and walked towards the back.
Her slender figure cast a faint shadow behind her, and if one ignored her rather ordinary face, her silhouette was quite endearing. The White Horse Temple, once a royal temple, was vast with ancient cypresses and golden osmanthus trees, offering a serene environment. In the temple’s Cool Terrace, lamps were offered, each with a name written beneath, indicating not just anyone could sponsor one. The girl approached the left-hand table, gazing at the eternal flame, added oil to it, and knelt for a long time, her lips moving slightly as if murmuring something, before she got up and left.
As she stepped out, she felt a rush of wind beside her, as if something had passed by. She looked back in doubt but saw nothing, puzzled, she withdrew her gaze and left the temple. She did not know that at that moment, a shadow stood quietly in the Cool Terrace, looking towards the lamp without a name, his gaze deep. As she left the White Horse Temple, the girl’s face was no longer as relaxed, as if she had remembered some past events, her steps slowing down.
