Chapter 31: Turning Misfortune into Blessing

You’re All No Good!…

Exhausted?

How come she didn’t know about that?

Just as Murong Ji was about to speak, Yan Qing directly covered her mouth and carried her away.

Under Murong Ji’s earlier soothing, Yan Jingquan’s anger toward Yan Qing had just subsided somewhat, but now it flared up again violently. However, since he had indeed grown tired from carrying Murong Ji up the mountain earlier, his steps as he followed them were somewhat unsteady.

Annoying pest! Stop right there for this young master!

This left The Eldest Princess and her group exchanging bewildered glances.

Led by a young monk to a spacious guest hall, Murong Ji was finally set down by Yan Qing.

Inside the guest hall, the windows were bright and the room spotless, furnished with elegant decor. Two pearwood chairs stood side by side, with several cups of warm tea arranged on the small table between them. The faint aroma of tea intertwined with sandalwood, permeating the space.

Yan Jingquan, panting heavily, leaned against the doorframe and raised a hand to point at Yan Qing, his words broken by gasps: You… huff… explain clearly… why… did you… take him away?

Yan Qing pulled Yan Jingquan into the guest hall and casually closed the door behind them. When he turned around, his expression was calm and gentle, but a hint of coldness lurked imperceptibly in his eyes.

He said mildly, Wasn’t the young heir intending to pray for blessings for Prince Chu? Once we’ve rested, we’ll head to the Heavenly King Hall.

Murong Ji watched Yan Qing without speaking.

Yan Jingquan took a sip of warm tea, his breathing gradually steadying, before he grumbled discontentedly, Have you forgotten that it was this young master who carried Murong Ji up here? What’s he tired from?

Yan Qing closed his eyes slightly, scenes from his dreams flashing through his mind—those fragmented glimpses of the future unsettling his heart.

After a long moment, he opened his eyes, his tone still gentle and composed: The young monk who just descended the mountain informed me that The Eldest Princess has already ordered attendants to clean the Dharma Hall first, keeping idlers away. She and Lady Cui likely wish to attentively listen to the scripture teachings, so it’s best we do not disturb them.

Yan Jingquan curled his lip and sat back impatiently in his chair, continuing to drink his tea, a note of disdain in his voice: Just as well, this young master doesn’t care for those hypocritical masters either.

Meanwhile, Murong Ji was pondering Yan Qing’s true intentions.

After she had expressed her wish to come to Lan Shan Temple, his behavior had been normal until they encountered The Eldest Princess and the others. Then, Yan Qing had abruptly taken her away.

Was it because of The Eldest Princess? Or Lady Cui? Or perhaps both.

Thinking of one person, Murong Ji suddenly said, Since we shouldn’t disturb my aunt and Lady Cui, let’s go find that Cui Heng instead. He definitely won’t be in the Dharma Hall.

Murong Ji stared intently at Yan Qing, noticing the slight shift in the youth’s picturesque brows and eyes, as if he had encountered some dilemma, but soon, the other nodded.

Young Master Cui should also be at the Heavenly King Hall. We’ll go there once Yan Jingquan has rested.

Murong Ji smiled.

He hesitated—so it was related to Cui Heng as well. However, that face did indeed appeal to her preferences.

But what Murong Ji couldn’t figure out most right now was Yan Qing’s purpose in approaching her.

Back at Emperor Zhaoming’s birthday banquet, she had vaguely sensed that he wanted to keep his distance from her. During the Flower Viewing Banquet, if she hadn’t accidentally discovered him and deliberately approached, Yan Qing probably wouldn’t have appeared before everyone. The same during the Dragon Boat Racing; Yan Qing was forced to remain on the fifth level and, under Consort Shen Liang’s teasing, had clearly become irritated with her.

Until something happened to Father.

Yan Qing, contrary to his usual demeanor, came to Prince Chu’s residence to console her.

Murong Ji had a rough idea why the other party was avoiding her, but she couldn’t determine whether he was involved in Father’s affairs.

She approached Yan Qing, extending her small hand with an expectant gaze.

Let’s not wait for him, Brother Yan. We should go ahead.

Yan Qing, you’d better not let me discover you’ve done something you shouldn’t have.

Yan Qing nodded, taking Murong Ji’s hand as they prepared to leave.

But suddenly, Yan Jingquan’s furious roar came from behind.

Murong Ji! You’ve gone too far!

Murong Ji turned to see Yan Jingquan charging toward her like an enraged young wolf, full of fierce energy.

I carried you up here with great effort, and you won’t wait for me! Now you’re going to find that Cui Heng you just met! Could he possibly treat you better than I do?

Murong Ji blinked: Weren’t you tired? I thought you needed to rest.

Hearing this, Yan Jingquan grew even angrier and reached out to grab her, but Yan Qing stopped him. Yan Jingquan glared at Yan Qing before pointing angrily at Murong Ji.

Is this about resting? Clearly, you’re abandoning loyalty for looks! Liang Consort was right – you only like good-looking people, don’t you!

Murong Ji paused, then nodded emphatically.

Seeing this, Yan Jingquan clenched his fists in fury, but before he could speak, the anger in his heart was extinguished by her gentle, breeze-like voice.

You’re good-looking too, Yan Jingquan. If I didn’t like you, why would I allow you to stay in the prince’s residence? Besides, Brother Yan was in such a hurry earlier that I didn’t get to reply to Cui Heng. If Mother finds out, she’ll scold me for being impolite again.

Hearing this sincere explanation, Yan Jingquan’s expression softened slightly. He coughed twice, awkwardly putting his hands behind his back, and muttered: You… you should have said so earlier…

Murong Ji tilted her head, smiling brightly: Then do you want to come with us?

Of course! Yan Jingquan snorted, striding forward and pulling Murong Ji away from Yan Qing. He dragged her outside while grumbling, If we’re looking for Cui Heng, we’ll definitely run into those two from the Yi family. That Yi Ruochun is really wicked – if you get bullied, where would that leave my dignity!

Murong Ji stumbled from his pulling and couldn’t help complaining angrily: Slow down!

Only then did Yan Jingquan slow his pace, apologizing repeatedly.

Yan Qing watched the two bicker as they walked away, his following steps feeling incredibly heavy.

His dream had continued.

The scenes in his dream were fragmented yet incredibly real. Before Prince Chu’s death, his dream had abruptly ended at the moment the imperial decree was announced. Yan Qing had initially thought it was merely a warning. However, after Prince Chu’s incident, he had seen even more.

Yan Jingquan came galloping on horseback, spear in hand, his arrogant face burning with rage enough to set the plains ablaze.

The other wanted to kill him.

Although the dream had cut off again the moment Yan Jingquan approached him, Yan Qing had a strong feeling.

He had truly died once.

And his death was closely connected to that imperial decree. Even if it wasn’t Yan Jingquan from his dream, it could have been someone else close to the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson, or even those noble families who helped him ascend the throne.

In his dreams, he often wandered away from the political arena, preferring to study at Shangyong Academy or travel through various provinces, having little interaction with the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson and others who frequently stayed in the capital. Yet, this unforeseen calamity stirred a raging fury within him, leaving him with no outlet for his anger.

That was why, at Prince Chu’s residence, he had agreed to Yan Jingquan’s challenge. However, after a few exchanges, he finally regained his composure. Because the Yan Jingquan who had tried to kill him in his dreams was still just a child now, and the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson and the others had not yet grown powerful enough to pose a threat to him.

He still had a chance.

Previously, his attempts to intervene in the fates of those already doomed had inadvertently led to the incident with Prince Chu. Now, he could only try to change certain things without endangering others’ lives, hoping to alter his own fatal outcome.

Cui Heng seemed like a good choice.

—

In the Hall of Heavenly Kings, incense smoke curled upward, and the golden statue of the Buddha stood solemn and majestic. Maitreya Buddha sat in the center, his benevolent eyes and smiling face gazing down upon all living beings. On either side of the hall, several monks in brown robes chanted sutras with closed eyes, their low, resonant voices seeming to cleanse the world of dust and turmoil.

On the prayer mats, three young nobles in luxurious attire assumed different postures.

On the far right, Yi Ruochun knelt for only a moment before sitting down, his round eyes darting around as he mimicked the monks’ chanting with a buzzing sound, clearly distracted.

To the left, Cui Heng was entirely different. With hands pressed together, his back straight, and a devout gaze fixed on Maitreya Buddha, his moon-white brocade robe embroidered with elegant bamboo patterns made him appear even more refined and gentle, like polished jade.

In the middle, Yi Ruoqing knelt properly but was visibly irritated by her brother’s antics. She shot him a warning glance and hissed, Quiet!

Yi Ruochun pouted and, far from heeding her, hummed even louder.

The surrounding monks seemed not to notice, their chanting unwavering.

Yi Ruoqing took a deep breath and swung her right hand at him, but Yi Ruochun pulled her along with the motion, and both tumbled off the prayer mat.

Yi Ruochun! she whispered angrily, but he grinned apologetically and helped her up.

Leaning close to her ear, Yi Ruochun lowered his voice, Mother and Lady Cui have gone to the Dharma Hall—they’ll be a while. Let’s go out and play!

Yi Ruoqing frowned. Mother told us to stay with Brother Cui.

He’s not going anywhere. What’s the point of waiting here? Yi Ruochun glanced dismissively at Cui Heng’s back. He comes here often anyway. It doesn’t matter if we’re here or not. Let him stay alone—maybe he prefers the quiet!

Yi Ruoqing didn’t want to stay either, but their mother had instructed her to spend more time with Cui Heng. Yet, since he paid little attention to her, she found it dull on her own.

Hesitating for a moment, she glanced back at Cui Heng. His figure remained as straight as a pine tree, seemingly unaffected.

In the end, she let Yi Ruochun pull her along, and they slipped quietly out of the Hall of Heavenly Kings.

Just outside the door, they ran into Murong Ji and his companions.

Yi Ruochun’s eyes swept over Yan Jingquan with undisguised disdain, then he waved to Murong Ji.

Come here, Ji. From now on, your uncle will take you out to play. Don’t hang around with such a brute anymore—you’re still young and easily influenced.

Yan Jingquan breathed heavily, his fists clenched, about to erupt when he felt a warm, soft little hand gently pat the back of his hand.

Immediately, the owner of the small hand stepped forward and spoke softly, Little cousin, your mouth is so dirty.

Yi Ruochun was taken aback. What?

Accustomed to causing trouble outside, Yi Ruochun initially thought Murong Ji was mocking him, but the other’s gaze was overly earnest, even pointing out the spot. Yi Ruochun had no choice but to wipe his mouth while asking Yi Ruoqing beside him, Where is it dirty? Here? Or here? Is there any more?

The bit of incense ash that had smudged him when he fell earlier had long been wiped clean, but Yi Ruoqing was annoyed with this troublemaking twin brother, so she shook her head and casually pointed to another spot. Here, there’s still a lot. You should go wash up.

Yi Ruochun snorted coldly, glared at Yan Jingquan, and hurried away.

Though Yi Ruoqing also disliked Yan Jingquan, her reaction wasn’t as intense as Yi Ruochun’s. She merely frowned, stepped forward to pull Murong Ji aside, and asked quietly, Ji’er, did you come to Lan Shan Temple to invite monks home for Buddhist rites? Why don’t I see your mother?

Murong Ji looked up, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. I came to pray for my father’s blessings.

Yi Ruoqing was puzzled. But Mother said Prince Chu has already fallen into the sea and died. Can we still pray for him?

Murong Ji gazed at her, his lowered fingers lightly tapping his robe.

Yan Jingquan stepped forward impatiently. None of your business! Why ask so much!

You… Yi Ruoqing was about to lose her temper when she heard a clear, gentle voice from behind.

Since Prince Chu’s body hasn’t been found, it’s only a fall into the sea. It would be wise for the young lady to speak more carefully, lest a slip of the tongue bring disaster upon the entire family.

She turned and saw the speaker, tears welling in her eyes, her voice trembling. Yan Qing! How dare you!

Murong Ji took a deep breath and was about to turn around when the other person pushed him into the Heavenly King Hall.

Behind him came the youth’s soothing voice, Young master, pray with peace. If Prince Chu is still alive, he will surely overcome misfortune and return safely to the capital.

Murong Ji felt a stir in his heart.

But now, her gaze suddenly fell upon the elegant figure kneeling on a prayer mat not far away.

Cui Heng, the youngest legitimate grandson of the Cui Family, the most valued descendant of Chancellery Director Cui.

Murong Ji stepped forward one pace at a time, knelt on the prayer mat beside Cui Heng, pressed her palms together, her gaze devout, her voice soft yet firm.

May the Buddha protect my father from harm and return safely. This humble devotee is willing to offer everything, only asking for my father’s safety.

After speaking, she placed her palms flat on the ground, her forehead deeply touching the floor, her posture reverent and sincere.

Beside her,

Cui Heng glanced sideways, a flicker of emotion in his eyes, and sighed softly. The young master’s pure heart—if heaven has awareness, it will surely protect Prince Chu and bring him peace.

Murong Ji lifted her head, looking at the person beside her, her eyes glistening with hope. Really? Will my father truly be alright?

Cui Heng nodded slowly. With such sincerity from the young master, the gods will surely be moved.

Hearing this, the corners of Murong Ji’s lips lifted slightly, revealing a relieved smile.

Outside the hall,

Watching this scene, Yan Jingquan snorted coldly and was about to enter when Yan Qing suddenly blocked his way.

He glared angrily. What are you doing!

Yan Qing watched the two inside, his voice carrying a hint of ease but still heavy. Don’t disturb them.

Yan Jingquan fumed, I’m going in to pray too! How is that disturbing them!

Yan Qing: You’re too noisy.

You… Unable to defeat him or enter the hall, Yan Jingquan stamped his feet in frustration. If you won’t go in, fine, but why block my way? Since when is that reasonable!

Yan Qing offered no reply, his gaze fixed silently upon the hall’s interior.

With Yi Ruoqing having already fled in tears after Yan Qing’s earlier remarks, Yan Jingquan found no one to quarrel with. Blocked by Yan Qing at the entrance, he could only glare at the man’s profile while muttering curses under his breath.

Detestable creature! Annoying pest! Pretty boy! And that other pretty boy inside! You’re all scoundrels!

Yan Qing remained unmoved, his profound and complicated gaze still trained on the hall’s interior.

He didn’t know how fate would unfold.

But he knew that if the Crown Prince’s eldest grandson grew too close to Cui Heng, Chancellery Director Cui would intervene. Then the noble families would withdraw their support for the Crown Prince’s grandson, potentially allowing Yan Qing himself to extricate from his current situation.

As for who would ultimately occupy the throne, he cared not. He understood the noble families’ resources and influence well enough to know they could easily cultivate another Emperor Jinwen. He wasn’t like his grandfather, who had stubbornly pursued impossible goals only to bring harm upon the common people.

The noble families merely wanted a compliant emperor to create their vision of a prosperous age. Yan Qing wouldn’t interfere excessively.

Murong Ji,

I hope our paths need not cross again.

———————–

Author’s Note: Please note 💜💜💜 While both main characters currently possess adult souls, they remain wary of each other. The romance line will only begin during their youth period ❤️❤️❤️

The male lead spends the early stages diligently seeking out love rivals, only to frantically eliminate them later 💪

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