Chapter 42 Chapter 42 I hope the Buddha has a spirit, all his obsessions...
Wu Jingxun sat on the Arhat bed, holding a medical book. The dim candlelight on the dark red lacquer and gold-painted small table quietly shone, framing the half of her face that was exposed to the light with a gentle and graceful look. Ziping came over with a bowl of perilla porridge and said softly, "My lady, you didn't have anything for dinner. You've been reading for a while. You might as well have some perilla porridge to finish your reading."
Green perilla has a bright green color and has a fresh and elegant flavor when cooked in porridge.
Wu Jingxun casually said, "Green perilla cooked in porridge can promote qi and relax muscles, and clear stagnant qi in the body. Grandma suffers from summer heat, so I might as well prepare some for her tomorrow."
Zi Ping nodded and smiled as she said, "Is this Luyun Garden really going to produce a female healer? In the past, my wife just loved reading. She has read a few medical books. Recently, she has been constantly reading the new medical books she bought."
Wu Jingxun paused holding the white porcelain spoon. She still felt a chill in her heart because of Prince Rong's smile and words.
There hadn't been anything unusual in Jinling City recently, but she'd been confined to her house for so long that she wasn't well-informed. It was only this morning, when she went to pay her respects to the old lady, that she heard Xiu Gu, the old lady's attendant, lamenting that two months earlier, in the remote region of Huzhou, a gang of criminals had abducted dozens of local young women, injured officers, and fled with considerable brazenness. And as if that weren't enough, another shocking kidnapping had recently occurred.
Young woman.
Wu Jingxun frowned and pressed her a few questions. Seeing her displeasure, Xiu Gu assumed this atrocious incident had rekindled the fear of the Crown Prince's wife, a delicate and kindhearted woman, after her previous abduction by kidnappers. She quickly replied, "That gang of thieves wasn't active in Huzhou or elsewhere before. For some unknown reason, they've been wreaking havoc in the area for the past two months. First in Huzhou, then Huanzhou, dozens of women have already suffered. I heard the Emperor is furious and has ordered an investigation. There's no need to worry, Crown Prince's wife."
How can I not worry?
Wu Jingxun recalled the ice coffin he had seen that day in Prince Rong's mansion, and tentatively asked, "Have you found the whereabouts of the gang of criminals, or the girls who were abducted?"
If they were ordinary kidnappers, once they got someone, they would simply send them to brothels or the homes of local officials, gentry and landlords. As long as they sent them to these places, some traces would be left behind. But what if the people behind them were royal nobles with unfathomable power and status?
The old lady knew that her granddaughter-in-law had also fallen into a kidnapper's trap. Fortunately, the eldest grandson was brave and quickly rescued her. He was very open and honest and did not hide anything. Naturally, the reputation of those kidnapped girls was not damaged.
Seeing that Wu Jingxun was very concerned about this matter, she patted her hands and said, "Xiu Gu, you are the most well-informed. Go and talk to Jingxun."
Xiu Gu replied yes, thought for a moment, and shook her head: "The strange thing is that after the gang of criminals kidnapped people, they seemed to disappear from the world without leaving any trace. It was not until they succeeded the next time that the local officials realized what was happening. When they went to chase them, they were gone."
The ice coffin and the altar flashed before her eyes one after another. Wu Jingxun pursed her lips. She felt that she had only touched the tip of the iceberg of Prince Rong's conspiracy. The feeling of powerlessness made her feel uncomfortable.
Seeing that she was in a low mood, the old lady thought that after hearing about these two incidents, she was frightened by the memory of her previous kidnapping. Unfortunately, her husband was not by her side. Shouldn't a girl as beautiful as a flower be sentimental for a while?
She thought for a moment and said, "In a couple of days, when the weather is fine, let's go to Da Ci'en Temple to burn some incense and worship the Buddha. First, we'll pray for the gods and Buddha to bless Jin'er and his soldiers with a great victory and a safe return home. Second, I'll also ask for a peace amulet for you to keep with you. When Jin'er returns, you two can go together to fulfill your wish."
The old lady was full of love and kindness, and Wu Jingxun nodded: "Yes."
After regaining his composure, Wu Jingxun looked at the green perilla porridge in front of him and felt a throbbing pain between his eyebrows.
No, I should read more books and see if I can get some more poison needles to wear on my body.
Soon it was the day to set out for Da Ci'en Temple to burn incense.
Wu Jingxun supported the old lady as they waited beside the carriage. Seeing Lian Qiao, who was beside Madam Qiong, hurried over, she explained that Madam Qiong's old leg injury had recurred and she couldn't accompany them today. The old lady said nothing, but nodded and said, "Ask Doctor Wang to take a look at her."
Doctor Wang is the official physician of the Marquis of Pingning’s mansion.
Lian Qiao nodded: "Yes, I understand."
Since the mother-in-law was not going, Wu Jingxun subconsciously wanted to help the old lady get on the carriage first, but she clapped her hands and said, "No hurry."
No rush?
Wu Jingxun was a little confused, but suddenly he heard the sound of horse hooves.
She looked up, and her clear and quiet pupils reflected the boy's handsome appearance with his chin slightly raised, arrogant and unruly.
Pei Huaiguang?
He hadn't been home for a few days, and Wu Jingxun was eager to see him less often, so she didn't take the initiative to ask the old lady or Madam Qiong where he had been. Today, when she unexpectedly saw him, Wu Jingxun indifferently averted her eyes, trying to put the boy's meaningful glance behind her.
Pei Huaiguang dismounted quickly and bowed his head to the old lady: "Grandma."
The boy's voice was like broken jade falling on a plate. For some reason, his clear and bright tone was a little deep and hoarse. When he spoke Jinling Mandarin, he was much more fluent than before.
The old lady glared at him angrily. "You little brat, you're busy with your own business. Today, I'll punish you by making you the bodyguard of your sister-in-law and me. Take us to Da Ci'en Temple."
Ask Pei Huaiguang to go with you?
Wu Jingxun quickly said, "My uncle might have his own things to do... In Jinling City, at the feet of the emperor, it would be nice to have the palace guards accompanying him all the way."
When she said this, she clearly felt Pei Huaiguang's half-smile gaze on her.
In the city of Jinling, at the feet of the emperor, all those times when he acted as a benefactor happened in the city of Jinling.
Perhaps sensing his sarcasm, Wu Jingxun pursed her lips.
The old lady smiled and said, "You are a sensible person, but my own children and grandchildren are here, so there is no reason not to use them. Erlang, don't you agree?"
Pei Huaiguang nodded, and following the old lady's words, he naturally set his sights on Wu Jingxun, with a hint of teasing in his tone: "Although my sister-in-law feels sorry for me, I cannot refuse the elder's order. This time, I will naturally accompany you and the others."
Sensing the subtle thoughts behind his words, Wu Jingxun silently lowered his head.
Don't look at him, you'll get angry if you look at him too much.
...Although Wu Jingxun didn't know why her emotions were so active and fluctuating when she was with Pei Huaiguang, for now, she only attributed the reason to the fact that Pei Huaiguang was too willful. His way of doing things, his lifestyle, and the people he met were different from her previous ones, so she found it difficult to accept.
Yes, it is hard to accept.
Prince Pei is her husband, a man whose temperament matches hers and they can tolerate each other until old age.
Wu Jingxun prepared herself mentally and said softly to the old lady, "Let me help grandma get in the car."
The old lady nodded and stepped onto the stool, but the horse suddenly raised its feet restlessly and the carriage shook.
Wu Jingxun suddenly felt many times more weight on her hands as she was supporting the old lady. She subconsciously tightened her hands to support the old lady, as an old lady of this age could not afford to fall.
A slender hand covered the back of her hand, holding the old lady firmly.
Everyone turned pale with fright at this sudden change, and the coachman was even more pale. He checked the condition of the horses and found that it was the second young master's white horse that was baring its teeth at the other horses, which frightened the horses and caused the carriage to become unstable.
Seeing the groom kneeling and apologizing, the old lady was in a good mood. After calming her somewhat rapid heartbeat, she waved her hand and said, "It's nothing, it's just a small matter. Alright, alright, let's get ready and set off quickly. It will be difficult to walk when the sun gets strong."
With the old lady's words, everyone prepared to set off as usual.
Wu Jingxun wanted to pull back her hand, but the palm of that slender and powerful hand seemed to have a scorching temperature. The heat wave burned from the fingertips all the way to her heart, and even her soft white face was flushed.
She glared at him in slight annoyance, "Why don't you let go?!"
This was the first time she had focused her gaze completely on him, and only on him.
Pei Huaiguang let go of her hand before she really got angry, and instead supported the old lady's other arm, saying lightly: "Sister-in-law is delicate and weak, so in the future, you should let me handle such matters."
Wu Jingxun pursed her lips and ignored him.
The old lady knew that if Erlang had not reacted quickly and supported her, sharing most of the weight, she and her granddaughter-in-law would probably have fallen.
"You little brat, are you trying to find a way to say I'm heavy?" The old lady feigned anger and patted Erlang's thin but strong arm. Using his help, she climbed onto the carriage and said with a smile, "How can you stay at home every day, waiting for me to go out and lend a hand? Your sister-in-law is much more likable than you. Go, go and give her a hand."
Pei Huaiguang didn't comment. He turned around and extended his hand to Wu Jingxun, smiling and saying, "Sister-in-law, please."
Wu Jingxun didn't even glance at him. She grabbed the hem of her skirt and tried to get on. The old lady who was already sitting in the carriage looked outside and shook her head: "Jingxun, why are you being so polite to your own family?" After that, she glared at Pei Huaiguang like she was holding water, "You have no sense. Your sister-in-law is shy. You should take the initiative."
It must be said that when Pei Huaiguang first returned home, Pei Jinguang, including Mrs. Qiong, and everyone in the family treated him with caution, as if they were afraid of touching his fragile heart. Only the old lady treated him no differently from her brother, joking with him when necessary, and scolding and beating him when necessary, and she would never be lenient with him just because he had just returned home and looked so "strange" and "fragile".
Pei Huaiguang, on the contrary, likes to be with the old lady. It makes him feel free and less tense and restrained.
Listening to the old lady's words, Pei Huaiguang raised his lips slightly. He stepped forward, gently grasped Wu Jingxun's arm, and helped her onto the carriage. His voice carried a deep meaning that only the two of them knew: "Grandmother is right. I should take the initiative."
There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Wu Jingxun's half-closed eyes.
Pei Huaiguang let go of his hand and politely took two steps back: "It's sunny, sister-in-law, please go in quickly."
Tsk, now you're acting polite.
Wu Jingxun turned his head and looked at him with a forced smile: "Thank you for your hard work on this journey, uncle."
Why are you suddenly speaking to him in such a soft voice?
Pei Huaiguang subconsciously met her gaze with a hint of ridicule and dissatisfaction. She sneered in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "But uncle, you're thick-skinned enough. I don't think this blazing sunlight and rolling heat waves can harm you."
After she finished speaking, she entered the carriage. As she withdrew her hand from the door, the gauze curtain used to block the wind also fell down. Pei Huaiguang could only see a shadowy figure behind the gauze curtain falling next to the old lady.
He also heard the old lady ask, "What did you just say to Erlang?"
A thin voice came from behind the curtain: "I was telling my uncle that his horse has a bad temper. I told him to be careful when riding."
He used to be a little old-fashioned, but now he can lie in front of his elders without changing his expression or heart beating.
Pei Huaiguang pulled the corners of his mouth, but couldn't help feeling a little happy.
She always treated herself differently.
The car door closed and Wu Jingxun withdrew his gaze.
Pei Huaiguang recalled her lively eyes and tone when she was angry, and he was not too angry when he saw the white horse that had just deliberately teased the horse and caused a small accident.
If it hadn't caused trouble, he wouldn't have had the chance to experience her rare temper.
There seemed to be a layer of warm and soft touch still lingering on the palm of his hand. Pei Huaiguang cursed himself for being useless and secretly clenched his fists, hoping that this soft feeling would last a little longer.
·
Da Ci'en Temple is an ancient temple from the Jin Dynasty. It is very popular and has a strong Zen atmosphere amidst the quiet greenery. Walking among the black tiles and white walls, smelling the aroma of incense and candles, one's heart can't help but calm down.
The old lady knelt on the cushion and closed her eyes devoutly.
Wu Jingxun also knelt down, looked up at the solemn and dignified Buddha, lowered his eyes, and prayed earnestly for Pei Jinguang and the soldiers to have a smooth and safe life.
Pei Huaiguang didn't believe it. He stood aside with his arms folded, his eyes fixed on Wu Jingxun's slender but serious back, wondering aimlessly what she would ask the Buddha for.
Tsk, it's easy to tell with your toes that among the wishes she made, there must be one for her husband and her brother to return safely.
...Even if he existed, he would probably pray to Buddha to make his lawless uncle, who was born with immoral thoughts, mend his ways quickly.
Thinking of the peace pendant that only Pei Jinguang had, Pei Huaiguang subconsciously looked at the knife on his waist.
Not long ago, when the dawn rose in the darkness, this knife had just drunk blood.
He completed the first task assigned by the emperor, and after washing off the blood and anger, he hurried home and happened to run into her and her grandmother who were about to go out.
If she knew that he was also living on the edge of a knife, would she soften her heart and take the initiative to carve a peace pendant for him?
Pei Huaiguang lowered his eyes, his mind in a mess, when he heard the old lady calling his name softly.
Pei Huaiguang wanted to say that he didn't believe it, but he heard the old lady say, "Don't you have any wishes in your heart? The Buddha is listening. If you are more sincere, maybe it will come true sooner."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Jingxun heard a dull plop sound coming from the side.
Pei Huaiguang knelt down quickly and imitated what they had just done, putting his hands together and silently praying to the Buddha for his wish to come true.
The young man's appearance was already handsome and otherworldly. When he closed his eyes and restrained the hostility around him, Wu Jingxun could strangely see some innocence in him.
Innocent? !
How could this word be associated with her unruly and rebellious uncle?
Wu Jingxun shook his head at first, then couldn't help but wonder what wish he would make?
Wu Jingxun was lost in thought and didn't look away when he suddenly saw the young man open his eyes. There was light in his glass-bead-like pupils, and in an instant, a bit of vivid color was brought to his handsome face.
Her doubt seemed to be etched on her face.
Pei Huaiguang smiled, moved his lips, and slowly and maliciously told her what his wish was.
When she realized what he meant by his silent lips moving, Wu Jingxun turned her head away abruptly, but her soft white ears couldn't help but turn red.
In public, in this pure Buddhist place, he actually... still has that kind of thought!
Looking at her angry and embarrassed profile, Pei Huaiguang slowly withdrew his gaze and kowtowed silently to the golden Buddha.
I hope the Buddha is alive.
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