CHAPTER 491: CHAPTER 483: SI LENGYUE RUNS INTO TROUBLE

Qin Liuxi watched the few in front of him, their faces pale with cold, clutching ginger soup and slurping it, while he cracked melon seeds and laughed at their predicament.

Xiong Er gulped down a bowl of ginger soup and finally felt revitalized. He exhaled a long breath and glanced at someone cracking seeds and lounging comfortably with legs crossed, the corners of his mouth twitching.

You watching the show is a bit too obvious, isn’t it?

Qin Liuxi spat out the shell of a melon seed. "Did you all escape to this place?"

Jing Xiaosi: "..."

Escape? That’s somewhat apt, isn’t it? Their journey was indeed akin to fleeing from disaster.

"It’s all because you said let’s go and we didn’t even get the chance to express our gratitude. We heard from the Wuyang Clan Leader that you are from Li City Qingping Temple, so we came looking for you." Xiong Er explained, "On the way here, we’ve had such bad luck, you wouldn’t believe. Once we left Xiangnan Village, one plight after another..."

Xiong Er rambled on, recounting their misery during the journey, almost on the verge of tears.

Jing Xiaosi felt his face heating up as he watched Qin Liuxi eagerly listening to the gossip. He kicked Xiong Er’s foot. "Enough, they say a true man never dwells on past bravery. Why bring up these things? It’s embarrassing."

Xiong Er: "Can’t I even speak when I’ve been wronged? You’re just overbearing!"

Jing Xiaosi wanted to retort but sneezed twice instead.

"So, what exactly is your purpose for coming here? Especially you, with your sickly pale and skinny face. That you could get rid of the gu toxin from your body unscathed must have been sheer luck, and here you are traveling a long distance without proper care. Do you think your body is made of iron?" Qin Liuxi coldly gazed at him.

A weakling should just stay put and recuperate.

"Of course, we came to donate incense money to your temple, but it’s almost New Year’s. Isn’t the Daoist Temple closed?" Xiong Er looked outside, not finding any devotees.

Jing Xiaosi slapped his head. "Dunce, are you blind? Didn’t you see the bustle when we came in? Clearly, they’re renovating."

"Jing Xiaosi, if you make me stupid, and I can’t find a wife, you’ll have to compensate me," Xiong Er glared at him.

Jing Xiaosi gave him a look reserved for idiots and rolled his eyes.

Qin Liuxi said with a smile, "That’s right, the Daoist Temple is currently being renovated and building a new structure, so it’s temporarily closed. When the repairs are complete, it will reopen. However, your wish to donate incense money can still be honored. With good people’s sincere hearts, I’ll personally take you there."

After the two had rested, they stood up and followed Qin Liuxi to the main hall, eyeing the interior decorations.

In the center stood a majestic golden statue of the Grandmaster, with many smaller full-sized statues and various talisman plaques beneath. According to Qin Liuxi’s explanation, these were all offered incense by the faithful. Some devout believers would take small statues home to protect their household, and the talismans as protective amulets.

In front of the golden statue was an enormous incense burner. Qin Liuxi took three sticks thick as fingers and lit them himself, showing them how to offer incense with respect. After they offered the incense, he added, "You can also light a long-burning lamp to pray for blessings for your parents, brothers, and sisters."

Xiong Er: "I’ll light one."

Jing Xiaosi pursed his lips and said, "I won’t light any."

Xiong Er’s hand paused, looking over and then sighing softly.

"You can also light one in memory of those who have passed away," Qin Liuxi said, looking at him.

Jing Xiaosi’s heart fluttered, and he changed his mind, "Then I’ll light two lamps."

Qin Liuxi led them to light the lamps. Xiong Er put all the silver notes he had into the incense oil box, looking embarrassed. "We spent a lot on our way here, not much silver left. Once we go to the bank in town and withdraw some money, we’ll add more."

"Sincerity moves the spirit. Good people, just do as you wish. You’ve traveled a long way to offer incense, and the Grandmaster will bless you," Qin Liuxi assured them.

Xiong Er scratched his head with a naive smile.

Walking out of the main hall, Qin Liuxi didn’t keep them behind. She checked their pulses one by one, especially Jing Xiaosi, for whom she prescribed a formula for regulating the body, and went back to the city with them.

"The mountain is cold, and it’s also under construction, which is quite inconvenient. The new year is almost here; I imagine you wouldn’t want to spend it on the road. Li City has many quiet courtyards, and some inns have private yards available for rent."

Xiong Er asked her, "What about you? Don’t you also live on the mountain?"

"Of course I’m going back to my mansion," said Qin Liuxi. "Why would I spend the New Year’s on the mountain eating cold wind?"

Xiong Er and Jing Xiaosi: "..."

You’re so rebellious, it’s a miracle the Grandmaster hasn’t struck you dead with his benevolence!

Qin Liuxi then said, "I have a shop in Red and White Street at Shouxi Square called Feichang Dao. If you need anything, you can look for me there, but it won’t be open during the New Year’s holidays."

What, a Daoist who runs a shop? Impressive.

Having finished speaking, Qin Liuxi left with stride. Her trip to the mountain this time was originally for the matter of the Scripture House, but she did not expect to encounter Xiong Er and the others who had come looking for her all the way from Xiangnan.

Seeing them reminded her of Si Lengyue. Since they parted in Xiangnan, they hadn’t met again. She wondered how Si Lengyue was doing now?

Xiong Er watched Qin Liuxi leave so abruptly and couldn’t help looking at Jing Xiaosi. So, we’ve trekked all this long distance and overcome so many difficulties to come to Li City just to add some incense money?

"What should we do now?"

Jing Xiaosi said irritably, "Find a house, find an inn. I’m not going to spend New Year’s on the road." He paused, then added, "I remember Uncle Zishi from the Tang Family has an academy here in Li City. We should also pay a visit."

Since we are here, might as well enjoy ourselves in Li City.

At the Si Family residence in Qing Province, Si Lengyue pinched her brows, instructing her personal maid Acha to escort out the youth in front of her, who was even more beautiful than a woman. How many had it been now?

The youth’s eyes dimmed slightly, somewhat unwilling to give up. He bit his lip and stepped forward, saying, "Family Head, I can serve you well."

Si Lengyue waved her hand and said, "I’m not interested in that right now. Go to the steward to collect a red envelope, and marry someone you truly love."

The youth’s face turned slightly pale. He wanted to say something more but was escorted out by Acha.

As they left, Si Tu burst in, exclaiming, "Leng Yue, this one doesn’t work for you either? He’s pretty as a flower; the children you have would certainly be beautiful."

Si Lengyue speechlessly said, "Dad, I’ve told you, let’s talk about it after the curse on me is lifted."

"It’s not like I want to say it, but after the curse is lifted, it might be even more difficult to find the right match," Si Tu said. "If it doesn’t work out..."

"Dad!"

"Ptui, ptui, ptui, it will definitely work out. I was just thinking, why not have a child first and then lift the curse? Once the curse is lifted, and there is an heir, wouldn’t that be killing two birds with one stone?"

Si Lengyue felt her head throbbing and said, "Dad, I really don’t have the time or the mood for this right now. By the way, take this contract. If anything happens, give the jade mine to Xixi."

Si Tu’s face turned pale: "Leng Yue?"

"This jade mine isn’t of much use to me; it’s only good for making jewelry. Xixi can make better use of it," Si Lengyue said with a smile. "This is just a precaution."

Hearing this, Si Tu’s eyes suddenly reddened: "This curse, perhaps we shouldn’t even try to lift it."

"Dad." Si Lengyue got up, about to offer a few words of comfort, but suddenly felt the world spin. Darkness veiled her sight, and she collapsed softly backward.

"Leng Yue, what’s wrong with you, don’t scare me," Si Tu cried out in alarm. His voice went sharp, "Someone come, quick, fetch a doctor, bring the Qinglan Temple Master!"