Chapter 172 The Noble Young Master of a Marquis's Family (Part 11) The Noble Young Master's Revenge and Love...
That morning, Song Ce got up early and brought Mo Yu to the main courtyard to pay his respects and bid farewell to Princess Yongping and Song Zhixiao.
Princess Yongping noticed that her son was unusually dressed in a white and blue robe, with a cobalt-colored purse she had never seen before hanging from his waist. She immediately asked with a smile, "Where are you going, Ce'er?"
Song Ce smiled, a hint of embarrassment on his face. “Mother, the provincial examination is approaching. I have arranged to go with my elder brother from the Sun family to Yunding Temple to worship the Wenchang Emperor, hoping to pass the exam with flying colors this year. If I achieve academic success, it will be good... it will also give my sister Ayao more face.”
Upon hearing this, Song Zhixiao laughed and said, "Good lad, you have ambition! You really have the style of your old man! Go on your way! Remember to come back soon."
Princess Yongping couldn't help but glare at Song Zhixiao again before turning to her personal maid and instructing her to fetch some silver and food, handing it to Song Ce and saying, "Ce'er, these pastries were prepared by the kitchen this morning. Have some if you get hungry on the way. When you get to the mountain, remember to donate some incense money to the temple."
Song Ce hurriedly accepted the gifts and thanked Princess Yongping.
Looking at her son's tall and straight figure, Princess Yongping smiled lovingly, stepped forward to straighten his clothes, and instructed, "The mountain road is rugged, my son, you must be careful."
"Yes, Mother, I understand."
After Song Ce left, Song Zhixiao naturally snuggled up to Princess Yongping and asked curiously, "Ayan, tell me, did this boy also invite the third daughter of the Sun family to go to pay respects together?"
Upon hearing this, Princess Yongping pinched his soft waist and scolded, "Save your breath, you're so old and still can't behave properly."
Song Zhixiao gasped in pain, but still managed a cheeky grin as he said, "When I have a day off in a couple of days, how about we go together to offer incense and pay our respects?"
Princess Yongping turned her face away, her ears turning red, and said, "Why are you making offerings when it's neither a festival nor a holiday? You should just stay in the manor!"
"Okay, then it's settled!"
...
After Song Ce led Mo Yu out of the Marquis's residence, they headed towards the Duke of Rong's residence.
Seeing his young master's beaming face, Mo Yu couldn't help but tease, "Young master, your attire today doesn't look like you're going to pay homage to the God of Literature, but rather like you're going to see your sweetheart. And that purse at your waist, it looks completely unfamiliar to me!"
Upon hearing this, Song Ce reached out and slapped the back of his head, "You talk too much!"
In the blink of an eye, the master and servant arrived at the Rongguo Duke's Mansion.
The old servant at the gate saw that it was Song Ce and hurriedly stepped forward with a smile to greet him: "Young Master Song, you've come at the right time. The Second Young Master is waiting for you in the front hall!" Song Ce nodded and just then noticed that there was another carriage of a different style behind the Rongguo Duke's carriage, which did not have any emblems on it.
"Whose carriage is that?" Song Ce asked the old servant.
The old servant followed Song Ce's gaze, a look of understanding flashing across his face. He lowered his voice and said, "Young Master Song, that's General Li's carriage. Young Master Li is here today too, and he's talking to the Second Young Master inside."
Song Ce nodded. In the original owner's memories, Sun Yiheng had married the Li family's daughter. Now that they were starting to interact, it seemed that a wedding between the two families was imminent.
As soon as the old servant led Song Ce and Mo Yu to the front hall, they saw an unfamiliar young man talking to Sun Yiheng. Beside them sat two young women with their faces covered by light veils. Song Ce immediately recognized the woman in the lotus-colored dress as Sun Yiyao.
Hearing footsteps outside, the group all turned to look.
"A-Ce, you're here!"
Upon seeing Song Ce, Sun Yiheng immediately greeted him with a smile and introduced him, "This is Li Rendun, the eldest son of General Li Yanwu; Rendun, this is Song Ce, the young master of the Marquis of Weiwu's mansion, and also my sister's fiancé."
Song Ce smiled and bowed to Li Rendun. Li Rendun quickly returned the greeting with a hearty smile: "I have long admired Young Master Song's name. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed elegant and extraordinary. I will certainly be there on time for the banquet so that I can have a drink with your family at your wedding."
Song Ce smiled modestly, and the three of them chatted for a while about some interesting things that had happened in the capital recently, and they got along very well.
Looking at Song Ce's smiling face, Sun Yiyao felt a little shy, her fair fingers unconsciously twisting the ribbons on the hem of her skirt. Seeing this, Li Muya quietly moved closer, her eyes sparkling: "Yiyao, is this your fiancé, Song Ce?"
Upon hearing this, Sun Yiyao's cheeks flushed even more, and she murmured, "Mmm..."
Li Muya covered her mouth and chuckled, "He really is a gentle and refined gentleman with a simple and honest demeanor. No wonder he has almost stolen your soul."
Sun Yiyao's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously looked up at Song Ce, only to find herself staring into his smiling eyes. Their eyes met, like a spring breeze rippling across a lake.
"The weather is perfect today, let's hurry up and get going! We shouldn't waste this beautiful scenery," Sun Yiheng suggested.
Upon hearing this, everyone laughed and stood up, heading towards the outside of the mansion. At this moment, three fine horses stood proudly, with two carriages steadily parked behind them.
Li Muya, wanting to get closer to Sun Yiyao, immediately took her hand with a smile, "Yao, how about we ride in the same car? We can have a good chat on the way." Sun Yiyao smiled and readily agreed.
After the two women boarded the carriage, the group set off. Because of the distinguished guests on the trip, the carriage had to travel slowly. It wasn't until almost noon that they finally saw the red walls of the temple.
Yunding Temple is located halfway up Tianyang Mountain. Its red walls and gray tiles gleam warmly in the sunlight. The copper bells hanging from the eaves sway gently in the wind, making a clear and melodious tinkling sound.
In the height of summer, the lush vegetation on Tianyang Mountain makes Yunding Temple even more enchanting.
"It truly is a serene Buddhist sanctuary. The moment we stepped inside, we felt a sense of peace and tranquility. We made the right choice coming here today," Sun Yiheng said with a light laugh.
Li Rendun tapped his palm lightly with his fan and laughed heartily: "Brother Zhao told me the other day that the Wenchang Emperor in this temple is very efficacious."
"Really?" Sun Yiheng's eyes lit up. "Then we'll have to offer incense and pray for good luck."
"What Yiheng said is absolutely right."
As they were talking, a young novice monk approached. Seeing that distinguished guests had arrived, he quickly put his hands together, bowed slightly, and said, "Amitabha, you benefactors have come from afar, please come in."
Sun Yiheng returned the greeting, "Thank you for leading the way, young master."
The young novice monk readily agreed and led them through the temple's corridors, past several Buddha halls, until they arrived at the main hall. The abbot of Yunding Temple was already inside, patiently awaiting their arrival.
The abbot, dressed in a gray robe, with a kind face, clasped his hands together and nodded slightly: "Esteemed benefactors, you have come up the mountain despite the hardships, which must be a sign of your sincerity. I have prepared incense and candles for you. Please come in."
As soon as he finished speaking, the young monks outside the main hall filed in, bringing incense sticks that the temple had prepared that morning and presenting them to everyone present. After everyone had finished their greetings and given their incense money, the abbot put his hands together and greeted them with a smile, "The temple's vegetarian meal is also ready. Please come and join us, everyone."
Li Muya excitedly tugged at Sun Yiyao's sleeve and whispered, "I've heard people say that the vegetarian food at Yunding Temple is especially delicious. Today we can finally taste it." Sun Yiyao smiled and nodded gently.
The group followed the young novice monk to the dining hall, where a long table was already laden with vegetarian food. Although it was all vegetarian, the aroma was enticing. Song Ce intended to sit next to Sun Yiyao, but Li Muya reacted quickly, pulling Sun Yiyao aside and sitting down directly next to Sun Yiheng.
Song Ce: "..."
Seeing his helpless expression, Li Rendun laughed heartily, "Young Master Song, why don't you sit next to your foolish brother?"
Song Ce quickly came to his senses and naturally agreed with a smile.
Because this group of distinguished guests had contributed a lot of money to the temple's incense offerings, the young novice monk naturally wanted to let them leave after they had had their fill of fun.
"Esteemed benefactors, the crape myrtle flowers in the back garden of our Yunding Temple are in full bloom. You are all welcome to go and admire them," the young novice monk said kindly.
Upon hearing this, Sun Yiheng was in high spirits and immediately replied, "Since there is such a beautiful view, let's go and take a look." Everyone got up and walked towards the back garden.
...
At this moment, in a secluded pavilion in the back garden of Yunding Temple.
Sun Qing'er laid out Zhao Xuanhong's usual tea set and skillfully brewed tea for him. Amidst the fragrant tea, she stared intently at the bamboo pattern on the teacup, a faint bitterness appearing on her lips.
Just as she was lost in thought, footsteps suddenly came from behind her, and Huai Jing's calm and even voice rang out: "Miss Sun, His Highness has arrived."
Sun Qing'er suddenly stood up, her hands instinctively bracing themselves on the stone table with a muffled thud.
Zhao Xuanhong, dressed in a black brocade robe, strode into the pavilion, his brow furrowed with impatience: "Qing'er, what brings you in such a hurry to see me? Do you know why I'm here today—"
Before he could even begin to question her, Sun Qing'er turned around and grabbed his sleeve, her eyes red as she questioned, "Your Highness, Qing'er doesn't understand, what is so good about that Green Pearl? These past few days, you've only been busy enjoying yourself with her in the mansion, have you ever remembered Qing'er who is devoted to you!"
Zhao Xuanhong's expression changed drastically. He forcefully shook off her hand and coldly shouted, "Insolence!"
"Your Highness, I..."
"Qing'er, mind your place! Don't overstep your bounds! When did it become your business to interfere in my affairs?"
Zhao Xuanhong's eyes were icy as he squinted at the tear-streaked woman before him, feeling no pity whatsoever. In his eyes, Sun Qing'er was nothing more than a pawn to be manipulated at will, a sham. As for the promises made in the heat of passion, he couldn't help but scoff. How could those whispered sweet nothings hold any weight? Their union was merely a matter of mutual benefit, nothing more.
Sun Qing'er looked at Zhao Xuanhong's cold and hard profile, and suddenly laughed bitterly: "Your Highness, two years ago, you said to yourself that you would marry me."
Zhao Xuanhong raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, hooked her chin, and teased, "Qing'er, you actually took it seriously? Silly girl, use your brain a little! You're just an unfavored illegitimate daughter in the Rongguo Duke's mansion. Do you really think that His Highness would marry you as a princess?"
These words were like a sharp blade, piercing straight into Sun Qing'er's heart. She staggered back a step, shaking her head, "No, it can't be..."
"Qing'er, you need to recognize your own status." Zhao Xuanhong dusted off the wrinkles on his sleeves. Seeing her looking distraught and devastated, he became somewhat interested.
"If you behave well in the future, I, Your Highness, will certainly not treat you unfairly. Come here..."
Sun Qing'er stared intently at Zhao Xuanhong's handsome face, her heart churning with hatred, yet her legs moved forward uncontrollably. Zhao Xuanhong slowly untied the sash around her waist, his large hand following suit, reaching into the layers of her clothing.
Sun Qing'er was extremely embarrassed by her body's subconscious reaction. She struggled to avoid Zhao Xuanhong's touch, but he suddenly exerted force and grabbed her slender waist, causing her to lose her balance and fall into his arms.
Sun Qing'er's face flushed red, and she screamed sharply.
Looking at the woman in his arms, her cheeks flushed and her words contradicting her true feelings, Zhao Xuanhong unconsciously tightened his grip. Huai Jing, who was guarding outside the pavilion, caught a glimpse of this and his ears burned. He hurriedly lowered his head.
In order not to ruin his prince's good time, Huai Jing dared not stay any longer and quickly turned around and left.
...
The back garden of Yunding Temple is not usually open to the public, so it is very quiet and serene. The group walked along the winding stone path and soon saw a magnificent sea of crape myrtle flowers. The pink and purple flowers covered the branches and swayed gently in the breeze, like clouds falling from the sky to earth.
Li Muya pulled Sun Yiyao along quickly. She stepped forward and couldn't help but exclaim, "Yayao, look at these crape myrtle flowers, they're so beautiful!" As she spoke, she reached out and gently stroked the petals, her face full of surprise.
Sun Yiyao was also attracted by the beautiful scenery in front of her. The corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up and she said softly, "It is extremely beautiful. I have never seen crape myrtle blooming so beautifully before."
Song Ce stood to the side, but his gaze remained fixed on Sun Yiyao. Seeing her happy, he couldn't help but smile as well, sharing her joy.
Li Rendun, standing behind Sun Yiheng, nudged her shoulder and teased, "Third sister has found a thoughtful and good husband."
Sun Yiheng coughed lightly and glared at Song Ce secretly.
The group strolled leisurely through the sea of flowers, pausing occasionally to admire them. Li Muya led the way, pulling Sun Yiyao along, whispering intimate words; Song Ce, Sun Yiheng, and Li Rendun followed behind, discussing the poems and essays that were popular in the capital, occasionally exchanging a few words in debate, all while enjoying themselves immensely.
Just then, they suddenly heard a short, sharp scream from a woman.
Everyone was taken aback at first, but Sun Yiyao was the first to react. She instinctively looked at Song Ce and her brother behind her and exclaimed, "It sounds like the sound is coming from over there!"
“Let’s go! Let’s go take a look!” Sun Yiheng decided immediately.
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Author's Note: [Dog head with rose in hand] I've added five chapters, thank you all for your support and nutrient solution!
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