Chapter 53 Good Things Are Coming (Part 3) Teasing Her.

Incense smoke curled around the altar, creating a hazy, swirling effect.

Jiang Si glanced sideways and saw Ye Mu lowering his eyes and nodding, a smile playing on his lips, radiating a tenderness he had never seen before.

His heart suddenly clenched.

The people he knew from both lifetimes flashed through his mind, but he couldn't find even a trace of "Xie Yicheng" no matter what he tried.

Where did this random man come from?

Ye Xingjian left, and Xie Yicheng arrived.

Jiang Si lowered her eyes and clenched her teeth. Was it Xie Yicheng who had made her feel good?

Once he gets down the mountain, he'll definitely find this country bumpkin.

Little did he know that the "country bumpkin" he was thinking of was within five steps of him.

Ye Mu looked at Xie Yicheng with a smile.

Actually, my memory of last night is quite vague.

That's all I remember.

Who could have been more patient than if he had asked her repeatedly, over and over again, "Do you remember?" on the long, arduous journey down the mountain on his back?

She was so exhausted that she swayed precariously on his back, her cheek pressed against his shoulder and neck, her consciousness hazy and adrift.

But he was stubborn.

"...Fourth Sister?"

She finally surrendered vaguely in her half-awake state, muttering as she buried her face deeper into the crook of his neck, "I remember, I remember... Xie Yicheng, Xie Yicheng."

The sound was very soft.

But as if he had received some kind of confirmation, he was finally satisfied and stopped asking questions.

She looked toward the edge of the altar, where the figure, which was always as upright as a lone pine, seemed to sway for a moment upon hearing her words, before finally managing to steady himself by grabbing the door frame of the temple.

He slowly raised his eyelids, and through the wisps of smoke, his gaze met hers from afar.

Ye Mu knew he wasn't angry.

I was even a little excited.

He himself probably didn't realize it, but sometimes he would feel secretly pleased when she gave him unreserved affirmation. He was no longer Wen Kong, but Xie Yicheng.

Ye Mu discovered it last time when she was holding his face.

The moment she touched him, his hand froze instantly, but he didn't immediately pull away. As she stroked his cheekbone, he didn't even notice that he lightly touched her palm to his own. There was no anger or displeasure in his eyes, but rather... a deep affection.

Ye Mu smiled, a little smug. He was used to being a monk and listening to empty words, but she had obviously touched Xie Yicheng, who was buried deep inside him, earlier than him.

He said he wanted to get to know them again.

But she had actually known Xie Yicheng for a long time, thanks to his repeated leniency.

On the throne.

"Miss Ye is truly frank," the emperor said with a smile.

His gaze slowly swept over the civil and military officials below, but he did not recall any young talents named Xie Yicheng.

She herself said that she was no important person. It is likely that the man she admired was just an unknown country scholar or a commoner.

However, it was precisely this unwavering resolve in the face of the top scholar's promising future and the courage to openly express his love that made the emperor appreciate him even more.

This kind of resolve is even clearer than that of many men.

"Today you have helped my Great Jin resolve the border conflict, protect the nation, and made a great contribution," the Emperor said. "I have always been fair in rewarding and punishing. Speak, what reward do you desire? Gold and silver, jewels, fields, houses, or perhaps a favor for your mother? Speak freely."

Upon hearing this, Wang, who was kneeling in the line of noblewomen below, turned ashen-faced.

What if Ye Mu were to propose, at this moment, in front of His Majesty, to overturn the case against Lady Liu and demand a thorough investigation into the scandals within the Marquis's residence, offering this as a reward?!

The face of the Marquis's mansion, and the reputation of the Wang family, would they be torn to shreds in front of the emperor and under the watchful eyes of all the officials, becoming a laughing stock in the entire capital?

Wang almost dared not think about it anymore.

However, Ye Mu, kneeling before the emperor, never thought of using the imperial family's power to settle old scores with the Marquis's family.

While clearing her mother's name was her heartfelt wish, she firmly believed that the innocent would remain innocent and the guilty would remain guilty, and that she would use her own strength to seek justice step by step in the future.

Before Heaven's grace, there are more fundamental matters to discuss.

Ye Mu slowly straightened her back. "This commoner thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness. Gold, silver, fields, and houses are all external possessions; the well-being of my mother is my duty as a son, and I dare not ask for rewards in this regard."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the many women present, some adorned in fine clothes and jewelry, others with bowed heads and meek expressions. "Today, I dare to ask for an opportunity for women like myself throughout the world."

"It is a hundred times more difficult for women to survive in this world than for men. If they are confined to their homes, they are at the mercy of others; if they are forced to wander the streets, every step they take is arduous. People often say that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent, and that a woman's only responsibility is to be a good wife and mother and to serve her parents-in-law. However, I believe that since heaven and earth gave birth to human beings and endowed them with intelligence, there should be no distinction between men and women."

She took a deep breath and knelt down.

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you consider relaxing the restrictions on the civil service examinations. Would it be possible for talented and ambitious women to study and take the exams? If female officials could be appointed, women would not have to rely solely on their fathers, brothers, or husbands, but could also serve the court, make a living, and realize their aspirations based on their own talents and abilities?"

Every word was spoken with force.

"Women should not be born to live only as someone's daughter, someone's wife, or someone's mother. They should also have the right to pursue their own path and the right to choose the life they want."

These words shocked the entire audience.

Not only did the officials look at each other in disbelief, but many noblewomen were also shocked and covered their mouths. This request directly challenged the ethical order that had been in place for thousands of years, and was a hundred times more shocking than her public refusal to marry earlier!

The emperor's smile gradually faded, and he said slowly, "Ye Mu, do you know what you're saying?"

Ye Mu showed no fear. "I know, and what I have said comes from the bottom of my heart. It is also a deep belief in His Majesty's enlightened and sagacious rule."

"The imperial examination system is a grand ceremony for selecting talents for the country, which is related to the foundation of the nation. It has been a system for thousands of years. How can it be changed lightly? Women have their own duties."

"Your Majesty, I know this matter is of great importance and cannot be accomplished in a short time. I am not asking Your Majesty to issue an immediate decree to widely open gynecology departments. I only ask Your Majesty to grant a possibility."

Ye Mu raised his eyes, his gaze clear and upright. "For example, private academies could be established to allow women to study. Or, could a few female officials be appointed to specific positions, such as document copying, treasury accounting, and inner court ceremonies, based on their talents and abilities, regardless of their social status? This would show the world that women are not confined to the inner chambers; they can also be reasonable, capable, and serve the country."

From her third sister and her past life to the inner chambers of aristocratic families, she had seen too many women trapped by a marriage contract and a courtyard.

Marriage is important, but it shouldn't be everything. Women can also have their own ambitions and aspirations.

Why is it that those men can?

They could study to achieve fame and glory for their families; they could go into business to travel far and wide and accumulate wealth; they could practice martial arts to join the army and earn merit; even if they were mediocre, they could still gather friends and indulge in poetry and wine, their world seemed to have no boundaries.

Why are they so at ease?

And what about women? It seems that from birth, all their efforts, intelligence, and value are ultimately led to the same destination: finding a "good home".

It's as if women are born as appendages to marriage.

Is this fair? Is this reasonable?

"I know this request is presumptuous, but I am able to stand here today and use my pen to alleviate the national crisis because of a past opportunity that allowed me to learn some skills to help myself."

Countless women throughout the land are intelligent and talented. If even one or two could display their abilities, wouldn't that be a blessing for the nation and the family? My request is not for my own selfish reasons, but truly I hope Your Majesty's wise and discerning eyes will consider the humble possibility of this other half of life.

Even if it's just the beginning.

The judges stood solemnly at the altar.

Wen Kong looked at the woman on the high platform. She was a small person, with the emperor who held the power of life and death in front of her and civil and military officials, noblewomen and nobles who represented worldly ethics behind her. Yet she was not afraid at all, kneeling between heaven and earth, speaking out for the thousands of women in the world.

She has no ability to stand tall and upright, yet she possesses the heart to break free from the shackles and injustices of a thousand years.

Wen Kong curled his lips slightly. Her birth chart was still hidden in his sleeve, as vivid, brave, and radiant as the destiny she had indicated.

"Ye Mu," the Emperor said, "the matter you have mentioned involves many aspects and cannot be resolved in a short time. However, I have taken note of it."

I've noted it down.

Although I haven't agreed yet, this matter is as heavy as a mountain.

Ye Mu kowtowed, "This humble woman thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace."

The Dharma assembly has finally come to an end.

After a morning of turmoil, the Empress Dowager, seated in her imperial carriage, appeared weary. She closed her eyes slightly, waved her hand, and did not summon any of the noblewomen or relatives as usual before returning to the palace to rest.

As the emperor departed, the oppressive aura that had enveloped the entire area dissipated by more than half.

The tense atmosphere inside Baoxiang Temple visibly relaxed.

Those noble ladies who rarely accompanied the emperor on outings, having dressed so meticulously in the morning, naturally wouldn't easily let go of this opportunity to visit the royal temple. They strolled and admired the magnificent halls in twos and threes.

After this ordeal, Ye Mu has become a hot commodity.

She was no longer just the fourth daughter of the Marquis's mansion who had been expelled from it, but a remarkable woman who displayed astonishing talent before the Emperor.

She was immediately surrounded by a large number of curious, admiring, or even scheming noblewomen and young ladies.

"Miss Ye's calligraphy just now was truly breathtaking! May I ask which master she studied under?"

"Sister Ye, you have such courage! Those words... although they sound frightening, upon closer examination, they actually make some sense."

"Sister Mu has really made us women proud today! Come on, let's go to the dining hall for some vegetarian food and have a good chat."

Their words were either sincere or polite, and their gazes were both eager and inquisitive.

Ye Mu longed to see Wen Kong, but he was swept along by the enthusiastic crowd and could not move an inch.

She maintained a polite smile and patiently entertained the guests.

Fortunately, after Ye Qing ate the light lunch provided by the temple, her discomfort was greatly relieved. Perhaps because she no longer had to see the Crown Prince, her complexion improved a lot, and she was able to help Ye Mu fend off some of the conversation.

Even after the vegetarian meal was finished, everyone's spirits remained high.

The Marriage Hall of Baoxiang Temple is known for its efficacy, and many noble ladies would go there to draw lots and pray for good fortune.

Ye Mu had no interest in this and was about to find an excuse to leave when a girl she knew smiled and said, "Miss Ye, of course you don't need to go. You've already dared to declare your beloved's name before the Emperor, so why would you need any marriage fortune slip?"

His words, tinged with good-natured teasing, drew chuckles from those around him.

Ye Qing, however, was worried.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, she quietly tugged at Ye Mu's sleeve and pulled her to the side hall corridor. "Fourth sister, tell me the truth, that Xie Yicheng, you didn't just make him up in a panic to refuse the marriage, did you?"

She pondered for a long time, and the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. "I've thought about it carefully, and I've never heard of this person in any of the prominent families in the capital. Do you not intend to get married at all?"

Her fourth younger sister, from a young age, behaved differently from the conventional young ladies around her. Like a wild plant growing freely, she possessed an untamed vitality, fresh and fierce.

Considering Ye Mutai's remarks that "women should not be confined to the inner chambers," Ye Qing's guess was quite reasonable; her fourth sister had probably made up her mind to remain unmarried for life.

Ye Mu smiled and looked into the hall. Wen Kong, dressed in a gray monk's robe and holding prayer beads, was leading several young novices, sitting upright on a futon with his eyes lowered, chanting scriptures in a low voice.

The chanting was deep and gentle, and his profile appeared exceptionally serene and upright in the gaps of sunlight, as if all the disturbances of the outside world were irrelevant to him.

Ye Mu smiled, her eyes sparkling, "Guess?"

Upon hearing this vague answer, Ye Qing became even more uncertain, her round face scrunching up in anxiety. "How can I guess? Fourth Sister, tell me the truth, do you really intend to never marry? Did you lie to His Majesty? That would be deceiving the Emperor!"

"Marry him, why wouldn't I?" Ye Mu smiled and raised her hand, her slender finger pointing towards the seated figure at the head of the hall. "If he marries me, I will marry him."

Ye Qing followed her finger and saw who she was pointing at. She gasped in shock, "Fourth Sister! You...you've gone mad?!"

She was both anxious and angry. She covered Ye Mu's mouth and whispered, "That's a monk! Master Wen Kong! How could you be so disrespectful? Buddha, Buddha, please don't blame me. My fourth sister is young and doesn't know any better. She was just talking nonsense. Please don't take it seriously. Please, please don't punish her."

This is even more outrageous and absurd than simply making up a name!

Ye Mu chuckled softly, the sound muffled in his palm, intermittent but unable to hide his joy.

Ye Qing was terrified, fearing that the solemn monks in the hall would hear her disrespectful words. She half-dragged and half-pulled her unruly sister and hurriedly left this place of trouble.

One covered her mouth to stop them, while the other chuckled incessantly, and they walked away affectionately.

Wen Kong looked up and caught a glimpse of a charming smile and soft, delicate hands.

He paused for a few moments while holding the prayer beads, closed his eyes, and then, hearing the clear, melodious laughter fade into the distance, he chuckled along with it.

He then opened his eyes, his gaze clear.

-

That night, in the abbot's meditation room at Baoxiang Temple.

The lamps and candles were as small as beans.

"You want to leave the monastic life?"

The abbot sat on the futon, his sandalwood prayer beads stopped turning.

He lowered his eyes, looking at his disciple who had pressed his forehead deeply into the cold ground. His usually compassionate and peaceful face was now filled with regret.

Others might not know, but the abbot knew that his secular name was Xie Yicheng.

Back then, he took his hand from the bottom of the steps and wiped away the tears and mud from his face with his sleeve. "From now on, all worldly matters are irrelevant to you. Within the mountain gate, worldly affairs are severed."

On the day of the tonsure, incense and candles burned brightly in the hall. There were no elaborate rituals; only him and the child were present. The razor was icy cold, and when it touched the child's soft hair, he could feel a slight shiver.

"Having relinquished the past, one should awaken to emptiness. This worldly name shall be hidden from now on, never to be shown to others again. There will be no more Xie Yicheng in the world."

As the blade fell, black hair fluttered down, and the child's tears welled up in his eyes, but he forced them back.

"All sounds are illusions; all forms are nothing but bubbles. What you need to learn is to see through all of this, to hear and experience the original emptiness behind it."

The razor swished softly, accompanied by his final naming: "From this day forward, you shall be called—'Wenkong'."

Hearing the sound of the sky.

For many years afterward, the abbot never saw the child shed another tear.

He simply resisted chanting scriptures and wouldn't speak to anyone. There were times when he tried to escape from the mountain gate, but when he was caught, he silently endured the punishment.

Over the years, the abbot has watched how his wildness gradually subsided amidst the morning bells and evening drums, how he suddenly attained enlightenment during a Buddhist sermon, and how he went from passively accepting to actively seeking.

The abbot has practiced for decades and seen countless monks. Some have spent their entire lives in arduous practice but have not yet found the way, some are talented but have a restless mind, and some are highly respected but have become complacent.

Wen Kong was the most spiritual disciple he had ever seen in his decades-long Buddhist career. He was not only intelligent, but also had a level of insight rarely seen in young monks.

The abbot was secretly pleased that the Buddhist community had such a prodigy, whose mantle had been passed down and whose path to enlightenment was promising.

Today's Dharma assembly and Ye Mu's astonishing words before the emperor were all just worldly turmoil for him, though he was by his side. He never expected that Wen Kong would return to secular life because of this.

The abbot sighed, “Is it because of that female benefactor surnamed Ye? Wen Kong, this old monk can see that your mind is quite agitated today. But beauty and appearance are but fleeting illusions. You have been in the temple since childhood, strictly adhering to the precepts and with a firm resolve. How can you ruin half a lifetime of cultivation and cut off your path to enlightenment because of a moment of confusion? You are still so young. It is only natural to be tempted by appearances and have worldly desires. Just come back in time.”

“Master,” Wen Kong slowly straightened up, lowering his eyes, “I have tried, but I cannot come back.”

"When you first came into contact with love, you didn't know how complicated and entangled it was, so it's understandable that you lost your mind for a while."

The abbot wanted to persuade him further, saying, "After the Dharma assembly ended today, His Majesty specifically mentioned you to this old monk. He said that you are witty and composed, proficient in Buddhist teachings, and even more rare is your calm and steady mind, as well as your wisdom and spirituality. His Majesty intends for you to serve before him in the future, to study Buddhist teachings, and even to predict the fate of the nation."

He said, “Wen Kong, you understand. Since His Majesty has this intention, with your talent and the merit of protecting the Crown Prince today, the position of Imperial Preceptor is just around the corner. That is the honor that many practitioners dream of, and it is also a great support for our Buddhist sect to spread the Dharma in the world. You are at the age when you have great potential and a bright future. It would be a pity if you said you would return to secular life at this time.”

A path paved with glory is enough to inspire longing in any practitioner.

Wen Kong smiled and shook his head, "Master, this disciple is not confused for a moment."

“I have already entertained thoughts before the Buddha, giving rise to greed, delusion, and even attachment, making it difficult for me to control myself. Although my body is in the temple, my mind has already fallen into the mire. To continue wearing this robe and chanting the Buddha's name is nothing but self-deception, defiling the purity of Buddhism, and is the greatest disrespect to the Buddha.”

Wen Kongdao said, "This disciple is aware of my sins and karmic burdens, and dares not call myself a Buddhist disciple any longer. With such a defiled body and such a reckless mind, how dare I accompany Your Majesty?"

The abbot closed his eyes, twirled his prayer beads, and remained silent for a long time.

Wen Kong's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "Now that I've fallen for her, I should take responsibility. Whether she needs it or not, I should give myself and her an explanation."

My worldly ties are already severed; all scriptures and the distant chanting of Buddhist chants can no longer ferry this heart across.

The abbot opened his eyes again, helplessly saying, "Even if you've made up your mind, what are your considerations regarding the Xie family?"

He said, “Your mother was so resolute in sending you to the nunnery. If you were to return to secular life, she might not be able to accept you.”

The concerns are very real.

The Xie family was no ordinary household. Their rules, social standing, and potential past entanglements were often more stringent towards Wen Kong, who was trying to break free of their control, than they were towards outsiders.

“Master, I understand the implications, but even a woman like Ye, who has no one to rely on, has managed to find her place in the marketplace and support herself and her mother. I am physically healthy, well-educated, and knowledgeable in medicine. Even if I leave the Buddhist temple and the Xie family, it will not be difficult for me to get a bowl of food to fill my stomach.”

He smiled faintly, "If the Xie family can't tolerate me, that's the Xie family's problem. The world may not necessarily be unable to tolerate me."

Further persuasion is useless.

"Enough, enough." The abbot waved his hand wearily. "Since you have thoroughly considered all the thorns and obstacles on this path of returning to secular life, this old monk has nothing more to say. The ordination certificate will be processed for you tomorrow."

Wen Kong nodded.

“It’s just that Wen Kong… Yi Cheng,” the abbot called him by his secular name for the first time, his voice desolate, “Returning to secular life is easy, it’s just a piece of paper. Entering the world is difficult. From now on, outside the mountain gate, you will have to bear all the dangers, the coldness and warmth of human relationships, and the entanglements of love alone.”

"Disciple understands." Wen Kong bowed deeply again, remaining motionless for a long time. "Disciple thanks Master for your years of teaching and nurturing. This kindness and virtue can never be repaid in this lifetime."

This bow marked the end of more than twenty years of morning bells and evening drums, the dim light of lamps and yellowed scrolls, and the sounds of Buddhist chants and the fragrance of sandalwood.

From then on, he was simply Xie Yicheng.

——

After leaving the abbot's meditation room, he did not return to his own quarters, but instead walked into the deep night and knelt in front of the three halls all night.

There was no chanting of scriptures, no prayers.

He simply knelt there quietly, the dim light of the ever-burning lamp in the hall casting a long, slanted shadow of his straight back, conveying a sense of loneliness and resolute determination.

The Buddha remained silent, his eyes lowered, but he already had the answer in his heart.

The next day, Wen Kong walked into the main hall as usual and attended the last morning service with the monks. The sound of the wooden fish and the chanting of sutras were so familiar, yet it felt like a lifetime had passed.

After morning prayers, he calmly accepted the ordination certificate for disrobing from the monks, which was handed to him by the abbot himself. It was already stamped with the seal of Baoxiang Temple. The few thin sheets of paper, held in his palm, felt heavier than a thousand pounds.

He carefully tucked it into his bosom, and before the abbot, bowed deeply to the ground one last time in the manner of a Buddhist disciple.

Outside the hall, silver dust was already falling. Wen Kong walked on the path to his hut, his monk's robes covered in snow, like scattered jade.

He knelt before the Buddha last night to examine himself.

He had been away from the secular world for many years, and all the skills he had learned were those of a monk. He felt completely unfamiliar with the ways of life and making a living in the secular world.

But we have to take this step eventually.

The coldness beside him mirrored the uncertainty of his future.

Wen Kong pushed open the door and was startled by the warm, fragrant aroma of scallions.

Looking up, Ye Mu was sitting at a wooden table, holding a rough porcelain bowl, eating tofu pudding in small bites. The steam from the bowl made her face look particularly vibrant in the cool morning light.

"Master, you've just finished your morning prayers, haven't you had your meal yet?" She looked up at the sound of her voice, her eyes crinkling into a smile. She pointed with her wooden spoon to two other bowls covered with oil paper on the table. "I bought some for you too, Master. The tofu pudding in front of your temple is famous for its delicate texture. I didn't know if you preferred it sweet or savory, so I ordered one of each. The sweet one was drizzled with osmanthus honey, and the savory one was sprinkled with crisp pickled vegetables and diced mushrooms. They're still warm."

Yesterday, the government cleaned the mountain, and the area in front of the temple was spotless. But today, before the sedan chair carrying the first incense stick even reached the mountain gate, stalls selling incense and candles, steamed cakes, and hot soup filled the road, making it as lively as a market.

"I also bought you vegetarian buns," Ye Mu chuckled, unfolding the oil paper. "I'll eat the meat buns."

Holding the bowl, she effortlessly pulled him from the cold, snowy night back to the vibrant, fragrant morning.

"Why are you here so early?" Wen Kong composed himself, walked to the old wooden shelf in the corner of the room, scooped up the copper basin of cold water, splashed it on his face, and then used a toothbrush dipped in salt to carefully scrub his teeth.

"Master is strange, why do you wash your face before brushing your teeth?" Ye Mu followed his movements with bright eyes, without answering his question.

"The mountain air is bitterly cold; splashing cold water on your face can refresh you. Once your mind is clear, then clean your teeth."

"Master, brush your teeth properly and stop spitting bubbles all over your mouth." Ye Mu said with a grin, using the same words he had used to scold her before.

Wen Kong glanced at her indifferently; she had a good memory, after all.

Ye Mu watched as he dried his face, revealing his deep-set features and faint dark circles under his eyes. She took two steps closer, looked up at him, and asked, "You didn't sleep well last night, did you?"

She wanted him to bring up those ambiguous things first, so she subtly pointed at him, trying to coax him into admitting that she was part of the reason for his restlessness.

He draped the cloth back over the wooden frame, saying, "The abbot called me over, and we chatted for a while before I realized it was late at night."

So it turned out he hadn't slept because of important business. Ye Mu's romantic speculations were dashed, and she put down the ceramic bowl she was holding. "What's so important that you can talk about it all night?"

It's unlikely to be a debate about scriptures; it's probably more like they're talking about her.

"Tell me what the abbot said."

He remained silent, sat down, and pointed to the tofu pudding. "Do you prefer the sweet one, or the savory one?"

Ye Muxian couldn't hide it any longer. Seeing him always avoiding the main point, the little expectation in her heart was both itchy and bitter, so she simply brought it up: "Xie Yicheng, don't you have anything to say to me?"

She had so much to say to him.

As soon as the Dharma assembly ended yesterday, she wanted to find him.

Since that confused encounter atop Gem Mountain, they haven't had a proper conversation.

Unfortunately, he was held up by his third sister and surrounded by familiar noble ladies who were gossiping about trivial matters, making it impossible for him to escape.

Her third sister kindly escorted her home. She had planned to return to the temple after the others left, but Su Yao followed the carriage. As soon as she got off, Su Yao grabbed her sleeve and questioned her repeatedly why she had lied to him. Jiang Si had clearly gone to ask His Majesty to grant them a marriage.

Ye Mu was speechless and could only say, "Then go ask him. Why are you bothering me? The top scholar's residence is on Ren'an Street in the east of the city. If the main gate is not accessible, the west gate is open every day at 3:45 PM. The old gatekeeper usually takes a nap. Just go in and ask him."

After this entanglement, it was completely dark, and the mountain path was difficult to traverse, so they had no choice but to give up.

Before dawn this morning, she wrapped herself in a cloak, sat in the creaking oxcart, and swayed up the mountain through the snow.

At this moment, her eyes were burning with intensity, clearly demanding that he reveal his true intentions: "You heard what I said on stage yesterday, didn't you? What are your thoughts?"

Wen Kong took the spoon from her hand, slowly scooped up a spoonful from the sweet bowl she had just drunk from, and put it into his own mouth. "Which sentence? You said a lot yesterday."

He looked completely at ease, as if he truly didn't understand.

Ye Mu gritted her teeth in hatred, but she also tried to beat around the bush, "Naturally, it's those words I said to speak up for women all over the world. Otherwise, which one do you think I asked?"

He kept his eyes downcast and scooped up another spoonful.

The edge of the wooden spoon faintly carried the sweet, rosy scent of her lip rouge. "Your ambition is a blessing to all living beings."

Ye Mu was getting restless from his calm and collected attitude. Seeing him eating so heartily, she wanted to eat a few bites to vent her anger, only to realize with a start that he had taken the spoon from her hand and the bowl in front of her.

“Hey, Master, this is mine…”

"Can't I use it?" Wen Kong then looked up at her, gently handed the spoon back to her, and said unhurriedly, "Oh, here you go."

A faint smile flickered in his eyes, and though his face was expressionless, a thin blush involuntarily rose to the tips of his ears.

Ye Mu suddenly realized that he wasn't unaware at all; he had been watching her run around in circles with perfect clarity.

A wave of warmth washed over her cheeks. She took the spoon, her fingertips accidentally brushing against his slightly cool fingertips. Her voice lowered, a mixture of shyness and annoyance in her tone, "Master has actually learned to tease people."

If we're talking about teasing, isn't she the one who teases him more often?

However, Ye Mu is really interesting in this respect. He can say loudly in front of everyone that "he is the one I love," but when he is in front of him and is teased a little, he will show such a girlish side.

"Aren't you afraid of Buddha's wrath for using a spoon that a woman has used?"

Ye Mu felt that he was different from usual today, not as calm as he usually was, but she also enjoyed this hidden intimacy. "However, Master also said that Buddha is magnanimous and has seen and heard everything, so he probably won't blame me."

Wen Kong gazed at her intently, and after a long while, the corners of his lips curved slightly.

“Naturally, the Buddha is before me,”

"Whether she blames anyone or not is up to her to decide."

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Author's Note: Thank you for reading and adding this to your favorites! The next chapter will be a little bit risqué, so please be on time, I'm afraid it will get locked.