Xiangguo Temple (1)
After all this commotion, it was noon before they knew it. After having lunch at the Dali Temple, Su Feng returned to his residence to prepare for the next day's defenses.
A gentle breeze carries the crisp chirping of orioles, and a thin layer of fallen leaves has been spread on the bluestone slabs of the courtyard, which had been swept earlier, rustling and rolling in the wind.
For a moment, only Zhou Yanzhi and Xie Xiangsi remained in the courtyard.
Seeing the faint dark circles under Zhou Yanzhi's eyes, Jie Xiangsi pursed her lips, poured a cup of hot tea from the side, and gently pushed it to his side, her voice softening unconsciously: "Cousin, you look a little tired, and you've been busy all morning. Take a rest first."
Zhou Yanzhi took the teacup. The warmth from his fingertips eased his tense nerves a little. He rubbed his temples and said softly, "Alright, let's go back to the manor."
"Mm," Jie Xiangsi replied.
My gaze inadvertently swept over the pillars under the long corridor, and I felt that there had been a very slight noise there. When I looked closely, I only saw a stray cat lying on the ground.
The sunlight cast dappled shadows, and the cat landed silently.
Jie Xiangsi looked away. Perhaps she hadn't rested well these past two days and was hallucinating.
Zhou Yanzhi finished his tea and stood up, pausing almost imperceptibly. His gaze swept over the shadows, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.
Let's go.
...
Two quarters of an hour later, at Xiangguo Temple, deep in the bamboo forest behind the mountain.
In a secluded meditation room, the incense burner emitted a continuous stream of sandalwood fragrance, bringing a sense of inexplicable peace to the heart.
In stark contrast to the Zen-like atmosphere of the room were the swords and weapons displayed inside, which gleamed coldly under the play of light and shadow.
The tall, elegant man stood with his back to the door. After listening to the report from the person behind him, he looked up and let out a very soft sigh, his tone carrying a weary air of knowing everything: "I told you long ago that Zhou Ce'an is no ordinary person. Master, you made a hasty move."
The person kneeling on the ground trembled, lowered their head even further, and dared not utter a word.
Song Baiyu slowly turned around, a lingering weariness between his brows. He looked down at the person lying on the ground, closed his eyes briefly, and said indifferently, "Fine, pass down the order: everything in the temple will remain the same, but the things in the 'dark room' must be completely moved by midnight tonight. Be quick and efficient, and don't leave any traces."
He strolled to the window and looked at the green bamboo swaying in the wind outside.
After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his voice ethereal yet carrying an undeniable resolve: "Also, go back and tell the master that 'spring is warm, the flowering season is changing, and dew wets clothes,' the plan needs to be brought forward, we can't wait for the Flower Goddess Banquet."
The men below tensed, immediately understanding the murderous intent hidden behind the coded message, and respectfully replied, "Yes! Your subordinate understands!"
Song Baiyu said no more, but stood there quietly, his clear eyebrows reflecting the green bamboo, his face full of terrifying indifference.
Outside the window, the wind rises, and a chilling atmosphere pervades.
...
Inside the Prince An's residence, however, the scene was quite different.
Zhou Yanzhi rarely returned to the mansion. Although Aunt Xie was happy, she saw that he looked tired. Even though she wanted to spend more time with him, she couldn't bear to keep him any longer. She only gave him a few words of advice and urged him to go and rest.
The two were thus "driven" out of the main courtyard and walked slowly along the bluestone path toward Chaoxi Pavilion.
Only when the two approached the gate of Chaoxi Pavilion and the surroundings became completely quiet did the weariness between Zhou Yanzhi's brows truly dissipate somewhat.
Jie Xiangsi raised her hand, her fingertips lightly brushing against his slightly furrowed brows, and said softly, "Finally, I can breathe a sigh of relief."
Zhou Yanzhi grasped her wrist, looked down at her, and a hint of warmth shone through his weary eyes: "With you here, I always feel more at ease."
Upon hearing this, Xie Xiangsi's heart skipped a beat. After a moment of silence, she blinked and smiled, "Then cousin should rest well. Tomorrow, there will probably be another tough battle."
Zhou Yanzhi smiled, gently stroking her wrist with his fingertips, and replied, "Okay."
...
The next day, as dawn broke, the two groups of people quietly set out.
Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Zhou Yanzhi appeared in front of Xiangguo Temple with a group of Dali Temple constables and Xie Xiangsi, dressed as an ordinary young lady.
Upon seeing this, the young novice monk guarding the door, though feeling apprehensive about the grand occasion, calmly stepped forward and bowed with his palms together: "Amitabha, may I ask what brings you here, esteemed guest?"
Zhou Yanzhi brandished the imperial decree, his tone calm yet authoritative: "The Dali Temple is conducting a routine inspection. To ensure the safety of the royal temple, we need to enter and examine it."
The young novice monk recognized the token, his expression hardened, and he respectfully stepped aside: "It is official business, sir, please."
After the group entered the temple, Zhou Yanzhi ordered the servants to disperse and inspect fire prevention and flood control, while he and Xie Xiangsi strolled around seemingly casually, secretly investigating the matter.
As they approached the pilgrim's courtyard, Xie Xiangsi gazed at the tranquil setting and sighed softly, seemingly unintentionally, "I've heard that the Fifth Princess once practiced meditation here. The scenery here is elegant and serene, a rare tranquility compared to the capital."
Zhou Yanzhi understood and turned to the accompanying monk, saying, "Since it's been mentioned, the safety of the princess's place of seclusion needs to be taken even closer attention. Please lead the way for a visit."
The monk hesitated slightly. Although the Fifth Princess was punished by the Emperor to go to Xiangguo Temple, she was still the Emperor's daughter. How could outsiders be allowed to enter the Emperor's daughter's courtyard?
But under Zhou Yanzhi's calm yet compelling gaze, the monk finally nodded, "...Please follow me, sir."
The Fifth Princess's courtyard was located deep within the temple grounds, in a more secluded place. The gate to the courtyard was simple and unadorned, secured with a bronze lock.
Just as the young novice monk took out the key to unlock the door, Jie Xiangsi's nose twitched slightly. Amidst the lingering sandalwood incense, she once again caught that extremely faint, yet unmistakable, scent.
Her gaze narrowed slightly, and her eyes met Zhou Yanzhi's for a fleeting moment.
At the same time, with a "click," the lock opened.
"Let's go." Xie Xiangsi was the first to turn her gaze away and step into the courtyard to search.
The room was very clean, with nothing else besides some essential tables, chairs, and beds. Looking at the completely open room, Jie Xiangsi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Zhou Yuyi was spoiled since childhood. She always wanted to eat the best food and use the best things. She always had to go out in luxury cars. My arrogance was even less than hers.
Even she found the place pitifully shabby; how did she manage to put up with it?
He casually searched the entire courtyard inside and out, then shook his head almost imperceptibly at Zhou Yanzhi.
The room was so clean, there was nothing there. I don't know if it was really empty or just an illusion.
Zhou Yanzhi understood, lowered his long eyelashes to conceal the somber look in his eyes, paused for a moment, then turned to the monk beside him and said, "You take the key first..."
Before he could finish speaking, suddenly, panicked shouts came from outside the courtyard: "Fire! The Sutra Repository is on fire!"
A thick plume of smoke rose into the air from behind the temple. Countless shouts, cries, and footsteps mingled together, sending a chill down one's spine.
Zhou Yanzhi's eyes narrowed. How come the fire started as soon as he arrived? The timing of the fire was too convenient.
Knowing there was a trap, but hearing the shouts from afar, Zhou Yanzhi cursed inwardly. If he didn't go to put out the fire, he would inevitably be accused of negligence. But if he went to put out the fire, those behind the scenes could take the opportunity to escape.
In a flash, Zhou Yanzhi made a decision and immediately instructed Xie Xiangsi, "Cousin, you stay here for now. I'll leave some people to protect you in the shadows."
Knowing that the fire was more important, Jie Xiangsi nodded solemnly, "Cousin, don't worry, putting out the fire is the priority."
Zhou Yanzhi gave her a deep look, then led the young novice monk beside him and rushed toward the firelight.
Jie Xiangsi turned around and went back into the house to check. There was no way she could have done something without leaving a trace. She had to find the hiding place of Wangyue San before the black smoke arrived!
At the same time, Zhou Yanzhi, who had been running all the way, quickly arrived at the Sutra Repository.
Even though he was still some distance from the fire, the intense heat made it hard for him to open his eyes. Taking the wet wipes handed to him by the constable, he quickly ordered, "Half of the men from the Dali Temple, come with me to put out the fire. The rest of you, guard all the exits and strictly check for the arsonist. No one is allowed to enter or leave at will!"
"yes!"
The scene instantly descended into chaos.
...
On the other side, in the underground chamber of Xiangguo Temple.
Upon hearing the urgent report from his subordinate, Song Baiyu's fingers, which were adjusting his sleeves, suddenly stopped.
After a moment of deathly silence, he slowly raised his eyes, his gaze devoid of emotion, yet his voice was chilling enough to conjure ice: "Fire? Who started it?"
The people below fell silent, and one of them, forcing a smile, replied, "Sir, it was definitely not our people who did this. This fire is truly suspicious."
Song Baiyu closed his eyes, took a very light breath, and when he opened them again, there was a calm killing intent in his eyes: "The plan has changed. The goods will be transferred along the original route. The second step will be postponed. Send a few people to come up with me."
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind; he'll see whose pawn he becomes!
...
Here, Xie Xiangsi searched the house again carefully, but still found nothing unusual.
With a heavy heart, Jie Xiangsi left the house and strolled to the courtyard, where she went to fetch water to wash her hands.
The cool well water flowed over her fingertips, and Jie Xiangsi was about to wipe it dry when she suddenly stopped.
A very faint fragrance wafted into my nose.
A chill ran down her spine. She looked down at her hands, still wet with well water, paused for a moment, then slowly raised her hand and gently sniffed it.
In an instant, her pupils contracted sharply.
Even though it was very faint, she was absolutely certain that she was not mistaken; the water contained the scent of Wangyue San!
Composing herself, she called out, "Ji Feng."
A dark figure appeared silently in front of her. Ji Feng clasped his hands in greeting: "Miss."
"Could you please fetch me a bucket of water?" Xie Xiangsi pointed to the well beside her.
As the monsoon season arrived, he quickly filled a bucket with water.
Squatting beside the bucket, Jie Xiangsi sniffed it again and again with a serious look in her eyes.
"That's the smell!" she exclaimed softly.
Then an even more terrifying thought flooded his mind. The well water was flowing; since it had an odor, the problem must lie at the source. This well probably held a hidden secret!
"Ji Feng!" She stood up and spoke rapidly, "Go tell my cousin quickly, there's something wrong with this well. The hiding place of the Moon Gazing Powder is very likely in this well!"
Before Jie Xiangsi could finish speaking, a very faint sound of sleeves tearing through the air came from all directions, and Ji Feng and Jie Xiangsi's expressions changed at the same time.
Suddenly, several masked men in black, each wielding a knife, appeared around them. The leader, wearing a mithril mask, looked at Xie Xiangsi, raised his hand slightly, and spoke in a hoarse voice.
"I'm sorry, Miss Xiao, you may have to come with me first."
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