Chapter 33 Sharing Life and Death He spoke to her like a lover…
The night sky was as dark as ink, dotted with countless stars, while torches on the ground formed a dragon-like pattern.
Imperial guards carrying torches surrounded the Zen temple, causing ripples to spread across the calm pond.
Chu Yueyuan was taken into the Buddhist temple by the void, followed closely by four monks.
In the center of the hall is a Buddha statue, but unlike those in other temples, this Buddha is an evil one.
The evil Buddha has three faces and eight arms, holding weapons such as bowstrings, arrows, and vajra axes. It has red lips, a huge mouth full of fangs, and three eyes on its forehead, each filled with rage, glaring fiercely at the intruder.
The door slammed shut, and the oil lamps on the altar swayed wildly in the wind. The blue-faced, fanged Buddha statue appeared even more sinister and terrifying in the flickering light.
Xu Kong loosened the golden silk wrapped around the Empress Dowager's neck, put his hands together and said, "Amitabha, this humble monk has offended you, please forgive me, Your Majesty."
With a blank expression, Chu Yueyuan snatched the sleeping Xiao Yun from the monk's hands. She squatted down and carefully placed Xiao Yun on the two-panel prayer mat.
Gazing at Xiao Yun's peaceful sleeping face, and then touching his warm little hand, her state of mind gradually shifted from shock to calm.
It was obvious that these monks' target was not Xiao Yun, but the Regent. She and Xiao Yun were just unlucky enough to become bait to lure the Regent to them.
But is such a bland and tasteless bait worth the Regent taking the bait for?
Flames soared into the sky outside the window, and through the tattered window paper, one could see countless figures wielding bows and crossbows moving swiftly; the archers were already in position.
Chu Yueyuan planned to advise Xukong not to use Buddhist philosophies to judge the Regent, lest she and Xiao Yun be implicated and shot into a pile of thorns.
"I do not know what grudge exists between Master Xukong and the Regent, but every wrong has its perpetrator and every debt its debtor. As Buddhists, you have taken orphans and widows hostage. Aren't you afraid of accumulating negative karma and being unable to reach the Pure Land in the future?"
Xu Kong stood with his hands behind his back under the Buddha statue. His murderous intent had been aroused, and his appearance had changed from when they first met. The compassion in his eyes was gone, leaving only cold ferocity.
“Amitabha Buddha, if I don’t go to hell, who will? It is worth it if we, the humble monks, suffer the fires of hell in exchange for a hundred years of peace for the Great Qi.”
"Master Xukong, if you wish to rid the Great Qi of this scourge, why not directly assassinate the Regent? You could then leave behind a legacy of loyalty and righteousness like Jing Ke in history. To be honest, my relationship with the Regent isn't harmonious; we argue every few days. If you expect to use my and the Emperor's lives to force the Regent to surrender, you're likely wasting your time..."
Xu Kong chuckled softly, staring at the Empress Dowager's bright face: "How come I heard that the Regent Prince was so devoted to the Empress Dowager that he stopped the selection of concubines just because of a single word from Your Highness?"
Chu Yueyuan was slightly taken aback, wondering if the monks of Tanzhe Temple were really so well-informed.
A bitter smile tugged at the corner of her lips: "Master Void, you far too much of an overestimation of me..."
While the two were talking, the monks in the hall worked together to lift the Buddha statue and took out swords and a large net woven from rattan from the hollow bottom of the statue.
Four monks climbed onto the roof beams and secured the four corners of the net, setting up a trap. Anyone who stepped into the protected area would be entangled by the falling vine net.
Chu Yueyuan watched as they laid out their inescapable trap, her delicate brows furrowing with unease. Her feelings were a complex mix of emotions. She both hoped that the Regent would come to rescue her and Xiao Yun, and worried that he would fall into their trap and perish there.
The Regent controlled the lifeline of this puppet Empress Dowager. If he died, the lifeline wouldn't break; it would simply be replaced by another ruler.
After spending a lot of time together, Chu Yueyuan felt that she and the Regent were quite compatible. If it were someone else, she would really feel a little... reluctant.
Just then, a loud announcement came from outside the door: "The Regent has arrived."
Chu Yueyuan's brow twitched.
He really came!
Two hours had passed since she was abducted. It would have taken Lin Mu at least an hour and a half to travel from Tanzhe Temple down the mountain to the hunting grounds. Could it be that the man received the news and rushed over, reaching the top of the mountain in just half an hour?
Did he grow wings and fly up here?
Looking at the paper window illuminated by the firelight, a cruel smile appeared on his lips: "Amitabha, there is no greater desire than lust. Lust is desire, and those who have desires cannot attain the Way!"
He took out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve and poured out a dark black pill into his palm.
Seeing this, Chu Yueyuan's eyes flashed with vigilance. She decisively shielded Xiao Yun behind her, her voice tight:
"What's this?"
With a sinister expression, Void stepped forward. His voice was low and cold, like a murmur from the netherworld:
“Amitabha, this mute pill will keep the Empress Dowager quiet for a while, so that Your Highness will not be tempted to reveal this humble monk’s little secret.”
Pei Muwei, dressed in black riding attire, stood in the blazing firelight, fine beads of sweat beading on his forehead, the sweat sliding down his temples, and the damp strands of hair on his forehead curling slightly.
Behind him knelt several rows of archers, arrows nocked, waiting for the order to fire.
The tightly closed doors of the Buddhist hall suddenly swung open, and the blazing fire illuminated the temple as bright as day.
The young empress dowager's plain white skirt, like a night-blooming cereus in full bloom, suddenly appeared in everyone's sight. The feather gauze robe on her shoulders swayed gently in the night wind, outlining the woman's slender figure. The bright moonlight shone on her fair neck, illuminating the blood that kept seeping from her wound.
Pei Muwei's gaze suddenly darkened, and he raised his hand to signal the archers behind him, who were waiting in full battle, to lower their bows in unison.
“Master Xukong wanted to see me, and I have come in person. Now, you may release the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.”
Hidden behind Chu Yueyuan, Void called out loudly, "Amitabha! I humbly request the Regent to order the Imperial Guards to withdraw ten miles from the Zen Temple, remove their swords and armor, and enter the Buddhist hall alone to have a chat with this humble monk."
Without the slightest hesitation, Pei Muwei ordered the Imperial Guards to retreat, unfastened the sword at his waist, loosened the dragon-patterned iron wrist guard, and tossed it to Lin Mu, who was standing to the side.
Lin Mu took the heavy wristband and took the opportunity to whisper a reminder: "These monks are extremely treacherous. Your Highness, be careful they might try something tricky inside!"
Pei Muwei remained calm and said in a low voice, "There is a tiger tally in the wrist guard. Go to the outskirts of the capital and dispatch five thousand troops to keep an eye on the people of Prince Liang and Prince Chen. If something happens to me tonight, leave the rest to Envoy Lin Si. Make sure to escort the Emperor and Empress Dowager back to the palace safely."
"Your subordinate obeys!"
The imperial guards, carrying torches, retreated from the monastery like a tide, plunging the courtyard into darkness in an instant, leaving only the clear moonlight shining on the ground.
Two monks quickly left the Buddhist hall, carefully searched Pei Muwei's body, and then brought him in.
The dilapidated palace doors creaked painfully in the silent night before finally slamming shut with a thud.
A flash of cold light appeared between his fingers, and he retreated step by step into the depths of the Buddhist hall, holding Chu Yueyuan hostage. Pei Muwei followed closely behind until the flickering candlelight inside the hall fully illuminated his deep-set face. His gaze calmly fell on Chu Yueyuan's face, and his voice was low and firm:
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will protect you and the Emperor and bring you back to the palace safely."
Chu Yueyuan opened her mouth, but then realized she couldn't say anything, so she gently bit her lip and nodded.
Pei Muwei's eyes turned cold, his gaze like a knife piercing the void behind the young empress dowager: "What did you do to her?"
A sinister smile curled at the corner of his lips: "Regent, there is no need to worry. The Empress Dowager is timid and has been crying incessantly because she misses the Prince. I was worried that Your Highness would be agitated if you saw the Regent, so I had to give her a mute pill. The effects of the medicine will wear off in half an hour."
Seeing the young empress dowager nod at him with teary eyes, Pei Muwei narrowed his long phoenix eyes, stared into the void, and said coldly, "I have fulfilled my promise. Release the empress dowager and let her leave."
“That won’t do. I’m too close to the window. If there are archers lying in ambush outside, I’ll surely die. If the Regent truly cares for the Empress Dowager, then come with me to the Buddha statue to talk. I swear to Buddha that I will ensure the Empress Dowager’s safe departure.”
The void pulled Chu Yueyuan back several steps.
The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of footsteps echoing in the empty space. Pei Muwei took each step as if walking on a tightrope, extremely dangerous, yet he did not retreat even half a step.
Chu Yueyuan stared at the square bricks beneath his feet, silently measuring the distance in her mind. Just as the man was about to step into the dangerous area, she stumbled and fell. The golden thread wrapped around her neck suddenly sank into her flesh, and blood fell like broken red coral beads onto her white gauze dress, leaving glaring bloodstains.
Xu Kong was taken aback and quickly released the golden thread between his fingers. Chu Yueyuan took the opportunity to pull out the slingshot hidden under her sleeve and hooked it onto the golden thread around her neck.
The slingshot was made entirely of refined iron, making it extremely hard. Its two ends were shaped like tree branches, which were designed to catch Chu Yueyuan's neck and cut off the diamond wire.
With all her might, Chu Yueyuan pulled, and the sharp threads instantly severed the four fingers in mid-air, allowing her to escape the other party's grasp.
He clutched his bleeding severed finger, disregarding the capture of the fleeing Empress Dowager, and hurriedly shouted, "Quickly set the trap and kill the traitor Pei!"
The Regent Prince's concern for the young Empress Dowager's injuries has already led him into a trap.
Four monks simultaneously cut the securing hemp ropes, and a huge vine net fell from the sky. Pei Muwei's expression hardened, and he leaped backward like a swallow, but his right arm was still bound by the vine net with barbs.
Four monks, each wielding a long sword, formed a square formation and thrust their swords forward, the tips aimed directly at Pei Muwei's heart.
In the critical moment, a golden light flashed before a monk's eyes, and the next moment he screamed and painfully covered his blood-soaked eyes.
Chu Yueyuan stood frozen in place, holding her slingshot, clearly unable to believe that the golden pellet she had shakily shot from the ox tendon had inadvertently saved the Regent from his predicament.
A gap appeared in the four-sided formation. Pei Muwei quickly shook off the vine net on his arm. A man who had been immersed in the battlefield for many years, even when fighting bare-handed, he could still hold his own against three opponents.
He picked up the sword dropped by the blind monk, and the dazzling sword light flowed freely in his hand. In just a few moves, he knocked away the swords of the other monks and swiftly and decisively killed them with a single sword strike.
Seeing that the Regent had a sword in his hand and could kill those monks as easily as chopping cabbages, Chu Yueyuan was completely relieved and quickly ran behind the Buddha statue.
She was worried that the fighting among these people would affect Xiao Yun, so she specially placed him behind the Buddha statue.
The row of ever-burning lamps on the table swayed violently as the sword energy swept through them. The candlelight cast a distorted figure onto the gray wall. The figure raised a long sword high, the tip of which was about to pierce the sleeping child.
Chu Yueyuan didn't have time to think. She quickly grabbed the ever-burning lamp on the shore and threw it at the monk's back.
Lamp oil spilled all over the ground, and a few sparks touched the oil, causing the flames to leap three zhang high. The flames spread upwards along the gauze curtains hanging from the roof beams, and soon the whole place was ablaze with flames and thick smoke billowed into the sky.
Xu Kong angrily extinguished the flames on the monk's robe. He raised his scarlet eyes and saw the little empress dowager picking up the unconscious little emperor and trying to rush out of the circle of fire.
He was the shadow that the lord had planted in Tanzhe Temple, hiding his identity for decades, just so that one day he could draw his sword and eliminate the lord's greatest threat.
However, his carefully planned scheme was not only repeatedly ruined by a delicate and weak woman, but also resulted in the loss of one of his hands.
This is undoubtedly the greatest humiliation for him.
The void's face was twisted like a demon in the flames of hell, and there was no trace of Buddhist compassion left in his body. With a gloomy face, he walked over with his sword, step by step approaching the little empress dowager who had been frightened away by the flames.
Chu Yueyuan coughed frequently from the thick smoke. She wanted to call for help, but no sound came out of her throat.
Before her was a blazing fire, and behind her were hideous demons. She was overcome with despair, hesitating whether to carry Xiao Yun into the flames or kneel down and beg for mercy from the void.
Suddenly, a hand burst through the flames, as if carrying a pure and sacred Buddhist light, and the billowing black cloak embraced her.
Pei Muwei's cloak was made of fire-resistant cloth, so he was not afraid of fire. He embraced the little empress dowager and quickly walked out of the sea of fire.
Having escaped, Chu Yueyuan's legs went weak. She collapsed weakly into the man's arms, her hair disheveled, her charming, upturned peach blossom eyes brimming with tears, looking utterly pitiful.
She opened her mouth, but still couldn't say a word.
Pei Muwei understood her lip movements: "If you come any later, I'll be a dish!"
He lowered his eyes and smiled gently, raising his hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and coaxed her softly, "It is your humble servant who is late."
Chu Yueyuan's gaze passed over the man's shoulder, and in a daze, she saw a faint shadow emerge from the raging flames. The shadow changed from ethereal to solid, from faint to dense, and in an instant, it solidified and burst through the raging fire curtain.
It's emptiness!
He braced himself against his charred body, swung his longsword, and thrust it straight at Pei Muwei's back!
Chu Yueyuan's expression changed.
Pei Muwei reacted with astonishing speed, pulling Chu Yueyuan behind him and dodging to the side. The sword blade grazed his arm, and at the same time, the sword light in his hand pierced his chest like a silver dragon in the void.
Xu Kong forced himself to lift his head, his gaze falling on Pei Muwei's forearm, a strange smile appearing on his lips: "Amitabha, exchanging my life for the Regent's life, it's all... a worthwhile mission!"
After saying this, he closed his eyes and collapsed into the flames.
Chu Yueyuan was tightly protected behind the Regent and did not see the scene of the two clashing swords. When she heard Xu Kong's fierce words before his death, she was shocked and quickly put Xiao Yun down to check on the man's injuries.
Gently lifting the torn fabric, a bloodstain was clearly visible on the man's right arm. The wound was small, with faint traces of blood seeping out.
Chu Yueyuan breathed a sigh of relief. It is said that monks do not lie, but this Void was really talking nonsense. He even broke one more precept to scare people before he died.
The fire in the Buddhist temple grew larger and larger, and the flames gradually spread from the back hall to the front hall. She tugged at the man's shirt, signaling the Regent to quickly take her and the Emperor away from this place.
But with a gentle tug, she managed to make the man, as imposing as a jade mountain, sway unsteadily.
The next moment, the man collapsed like a mountain in front of Chu Yueyuan. She hurriedly put her hands against his chest, but the man was tall and heavy, and she was powerless to resist and was knocked to the ground.
Even at the last moment, when he raised his hand to protect the back of her head, Chu Yueyuan was still seeing stars from the pressure.
The two bumped into each other like mud dolls that hadn't dried, their bodies pressed tightly together. Through their thin clothes, damp with sweat, Chu Yueyuan could even clearly feel his rapidly beating heartbeat in her palm.
Their noses rubbed together, their breaths mingled, and an ambiguous atmosphere grew between their cheeks.
Chu Yueyuan's face flushed red. She shyly turned her head away, avoiding the man's gaze, which was hotter than fire.
That scoundrel Pei is shameless! Even in this dire situation, he still has the mind to toy with her.
"Your Majesty, I have here..."
The man's deep voice was slightly hoarse. The two were very close, and when he spoke to her, it was like a lover whispering in her ear.
The heat scalded Chu Yueyuan's earlobes red.
He spoke in a hoarse voice, pulling her hand down to his waist...
Chu Yueyuan felt both ashamed and indignant, thinking that Pei might be planning to take advantage of her inability to speak and force her to do *that*...
The fire in the Buddhist temple has burned into his mind!
She immediately broke free from his grasp and swung her fist, punching the man hard in the chest.
Pei Muwei frowned, let out a muffled groan, then turned his head and spat out a mouthful of black blood.
Chu Yueyuan was stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked at her fist, which was as big as a red bean bun.
No...when did she acquire such supernatural skills?
The Regent seemed to have been seriously injured by her punch. He propped himself up on one elbow, turned his head to the side, and vomited several mouthfuls of black blood. The man, who was a clean freak, even carefully avoided her when he vomited blood, so that not a single drop of blood would splash on her.
His profile was as white as jade in the firelight, with faint blue veins on his forehead and a fine layer of sweat seeping out.
Suddenly remembering something, Chu Yueyuan turned her head sharply, her gaze falling on the wound on the man's arm, her pupils suddenly contracting.
What was just a shallow wound has now turned into a horrifying bluish-black color.
That wicked monk, Void, has... poisoned his sword!
Chu Yueyuan was extremely anxious. She wanted to call for help, but only a hoarse sound came out of her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Your Highness, there's a tinderbox attached to your waist belt. Please take it outside and light it..."
Pei Muwei was breathing weakly. After whispering these words, he collapsed heavily onto her and fell into a coma.
Chu Yueyuan reached out and pushed the man on top of her, but he didn't move. Only the faint breaths falling on her neck showed that he still had a breath left.
She gritted her teeth, used all her strength to turn him over, and shakily reached out to grope around his waist belt, finally finding a tinderbox hidden in a fireproof leather strap.
Scattered flames were everywhere, making it easy for Chu Yueyuan to light a fire. Exhausted, she stumbled and pushed open the door of the Buddhist temple.
A beam of light quickly rose into the night sky, instantly bursting into dazzling fireworks.
Chu Yueyuan stared blankly at the bright fireworks in the night sky, as if she could hear hurried footsteps coming from the darkness. She gently exhaled and finally closed her heavy eyelids.
She's really...tired. Let her rest for a while.
———
The sun rose as usual, and the emerald green glazed tile roofs of the palace shimmered with a dazzling halo in the morning light, still magnificent.
Two exquisitely carved golden dragons peek out from under the eaves of the Hall of Diligent Governance, their forms and expressions lifelike, as if they were about to take flight at any moment.
An official dressed in a purple civil official's robe, wearing a black gauze hat and a gold fish pouch at his waist, descended the white jade steps.
"Lord Shen, please wait!"
Another official in a scarlet robe quickly caught up with him and bowed: "Lord Shen, Prince Chen is hosting a banquet at the old residence tonight. I wonder if you have received an invitation?"
Shen Zizhan's eyes were calm and unwavering as he said in a low voice, "I have been busy reviewing the Dali Temple files these past few days and have not paid attention to the invitation sent to your residence."
The man waved his hand and said with a smile, "It's alright. Lord Shen is a man of great talent and integrity. Prince Chen has always admired you and has long wanted to get to know you. It just so happens that my sedan chair is parked outside the palace. Lord Shen, why don't you come with me to the banquet?"
Shen Zizhan frowned slightly. His eyes were warm, but his tone turned cold: "I am too busy with official documents to accompany Lord Fan to the banquet."
Vice Minister Fan's smile was slightly stiff. He quickly followed Shen Zizhan and changed the subject, taking the initiative to talk about the recent situation in the court.
"It's been almost half a month, and the Regent still hasn't appeared at the morning court session. All court affairs are being handled by Chief Minister Lin. In terms of seniority and ability, Chief Minister Lin is far inferior to Prime Minister Shen. Alas... I originally thought the Regent was kind and impartial, treating those from humble backgrounds and those from aristocratic families equally. It seems that when it comes to crucial moments, the Prince still doesn't trust officials from aristocratic families like us..."
"The Empress Dowager returned from Tanzhe Temple, and she too was unwell and stayed in Fengqi Palace, saying she had caught a cold. Hmm... What a coincidence! After the Regent and the Empress Dowager returned from their trip out of the palace, they were both too ill to appear in public. Lord Shen, do you think there might be something going on here?"
Shen Zizhan stopped in his tracks, turned his head slightly, and said with an icy look in his eyes, "Lord Fan, are you discussing royal affairs with me in front of the Censorate, which oversees the words and deeds of all officials?"
"I had absolutely no such intention!"
Vice Minister Fan turned pale with fright. He forced a smile and said, "I was just trying to remind Lord Shen that those who are blinded by reason are not wise. I hope you will assess the situation carefully and not go down the wrong path..."
"Lord Shen did not go astray."
A clear and melodious voice rang out.
The woman stepped out from under the eaves. She wore a vermilion pomegranate-colored dress, the skirt embroidered with intricate patterns of gold and silver threads. She wore a phoenix crown inlaid with feathers and jewels, and the phoenix hairpin with its delicate tassels dangled from her hair, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight. Her bright eyes were captivating, and she exuded an air of authority.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"
"Lord Shen, Lord Fan, please dispense with the formalities."
Chu Yueyuan smiled and said, "The path Lord Shen is taking leads to the Qin Palace. Perhaps I have a bad memory and have taken the wrong way?"
She smiled sweetly at Minister Fan: "Minister Fan, tell me, have I taken the wrong path?"
The woman's soft voice held a sharp edge, like a blade breaking through water, causing cold sweat to bead on Vice Minister Fan's forehead. He bowed and stammered:
"Your Majesty...Your Majesty did not go astray; it was my poor eyesight that prevented me from seeing the path clearly."
Chu Yueyuan tilted her head slightly, causing the tassels of her golden hairpin to tremble gently. Her tone was slow and gentle: "It's alright if Lord Fan is blind for a moment. He'll learn his lesson after hitting a few more walls. But if he accidentally grows an extra heart... then I'll have to ask the Regent to personally remove that extra heart for you."
Minister Fan clutched his chest, his face deathly pale, and knelt down, kowtowing and prostrating himself on the ground, saying in fear, "This humble official has absolutely no disloyalty to the Empress Dowager!"
After saying that, he kept kowtowing, until a large red bump appeared on his forehead.
Chu Yueyuan, too lazy to watch this man's hypocritical act any longer, was about to leave when Shen Zizhan, standing to the side, calmly cupped his hands and said:
"I just remembered that there is a file that I haven't handed over to Chief Minister Lin yet. The Empress Dowager just said that she was going to the Hall of Diligent Governance?"
Chu Yueyuan looked at Shen Zizhan's handsome face, her brows twitched slightly, and then she smiled and said, "That's right. Since Lord Shen and I are going the same way, why don't we travel together?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. It would be disrespectful for me to refuse."
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