Chapter Two, the shadows of flowers shift in the leisurely courtyard

If Wei sat at the table, picked up the chopsticks, and grabbed a piece of green vegetable to place in the bowl, devouring the rice in the bowl, Xiangting and Ziyan exchanged a glance, and no longer spoke, silently lowering their heads to eat.

And the red candle, as a metaphor, signifies that the tears begin to dry only when the wax torch turns to ash, indicating that since the parting, there has been nightly weeping, and the pain of longing is continuous and unending

What she said was interesting, causing Ziyan and Xiangting to smile, alleviating many worries

As solitary as the pine standing alone in the Nanling Mountains, and as cold and elegant as the icy torrents cascading from the Tianshan Mountains

He does not know

Jack Ma stood there in a slight daze, unsure whether to respond or remain silent.

Miss!" Zi Yan could not help but feel surprised.

If Wei turned his head to stare at the purple smoke's eyes: "You are mistaken, this wish is very effective"

"You may eat first!" Granny Gui stood up, raised her eyes to glance at the eastern room, and saw two beds placed together. Her heart involuntarily trembled slightly; although she secretly sighed, she could not show it on her face. She simply led the child out.

As the three of them approached the entrance of the observatory, a middle-aged woman was already there, accompanied by two elegant young acolytes, along with Lord Rong, waiting at the door to greet them

Thus, the three of them worked together to move the bed from the west room to the east room, placing the two beds opposite each other. They then opened the boxes and took out the brocade quilts and pillows to make the bed. At this moment, they finally felt a sense of warmth in the small room

Where is it lost

"Miss, wait for us!" Ziyan and Xiangting exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat perplexed. Ziyan thought to herself, what has happened to the young lady? Just a moment ago, it was a scene of bitter winds and heavy rain, yet in an instant, the clouds parted and the mist cleared, returning to clarity. Xiangting, on the other hand, showed a joyful expression, silently praying and expressing gratitude that the enchanting Qixia Mountain had soothed her grievances and alleviated her sorrow

Being in the midst of it, one can truly feel a touch of ethereal charm

At the foot of Qixia Mountain, the horse-drawn carriage suddenly came to a halt. The coachman, Lord Rong, lifted the curtain of the carriage and said: "Miss Wei, the road ahead is difficult to traverse, so please hold on tight!"

Thus, she was in high spirits, her face immediately beaming with joy, and she seemed to run lightly up the mountain top.

Galloping on horseback, leaping to shoot arrows, drenched in sweat, it is extremely exhilarating

A red date, a little turtle? Zhu Di concentrated and pondered for a moment, then suddenly slapped his thigh and lightly snorted, "Returning early, returning early? She hasn't even stepped out of the palace gate yet, and already I'm hoping for her early return? This child, Zhan Ji, is too infatuated!"

Thus, it has been said that a home is only complete with a bed; once the bed is arranged, the room immediately feels much more comfortable. If Ruo Wei leans against the door, it seems she is somewhat fatigued. During the recent busyness, she did not notice much, but now, with a brief pause, she feels a subtle ache in her heart.

As we peeked out to gaze at the lush green mountains, the restlessness in our hearts found no outlet, so I said: "Let us get off the vehicle and walk up the mountain!"

What? Zhu Zhanji, with his sharply arched eyebrows and a face that exudes cold handsomeness, suddenly radiated a charmingly sinister smile, lamenting: "Honghua, how could Mother allow Ruowei to drink Honghua!"

Ziyan took a few steps forward and gently held her hand: "Miss, the wish you made here that year seems to have not come true now"

If a faint bitterness surged in Wei's heart, it is true that everyone believed she was seeking her own union with Zhanji that day. However, she initially thought that their fates were predetermined, that she and Zhanji were reflections of each other, and that marriage was merely a matter of time, with no unforeseen upheavals. Therefore, what she truly sought that day was the health of her parents and the safety of her home. Now, how can one say that the Bodhisattva is not effective? If there is blame, it can only be directed at herself for not making the request. Thus, what she sought that day was the health of her parents and the safety of her home. Now, how can one say that the Bodhisattva is not effective? If there is blame, it can only be directed at herself for not making the request.

"Alright, alright, alright!" Xiang Ting immediately intervened, saying: "Whatever the young lady says is perfectly fine!"

Madam Gui, around fifty years old, with a slightly dark complexion, was still dressed in the attire of the palace at this moment. She looked up and down at Ruo Wei, her expression revealing no discernible emotion, and simply said: "Miss, please follow this old servant inside first"

Where has your heart gone, Wei?

"Aunt Gui, where is the dining hall? Next time, Xiangting can go and fetch it. Why trouble you to make this trip?" Xiangting immediately smiled broadly, stepped forward, and took the food box from her hands, placing it on the center of the black lacquered round table. Ziyan also nimbly approached, gently dusting off the stool with her handkerchief, saying, "Aunt, please have a seat!" With that, she assisted Aunt Gui in sitting down.

If Wei stood with her hands on her hips, surveying everything in the room as if quite satisfied, she glanced at Xiangting and Ziyan, who were also covered in dust, and suddenly spoke: "Ziyan, Xiangting, I have an idea. The center of this house is the hall, with two bedrooms on either side. Why don't we move the beds from both rooms into one, so the three of us can live together?"

Alright, then let us meet at the Sanyuan Temple on the mountaintop before noon! Master Rong set down the footstool, and Xiangting and Ziyan got off the carriage, then extended a hand to help Ruowei down.

"Miss, are you tired?" Xiang Ting, being the most observant, noticed with a glance that Ruo Wei's expression was not as bright as before, and immediately felt a bit anxious

Upon entering the room, I realized that this house seemed to have been uninhabited for quite some time. The interior was somewhat damp, and there were faint traces of mold on the window sills

"It is wrapped in a cloth with a red candle, and also, the wick of that candle has been removed!" Jack Ma searched his memory carefully, not daring to be the slightest bit negligent

No, I am hungry!" If Wei smiled lightly, the three of them then remembered that they had been preoccupied with their thoughts all day and had not eaten anything until now

Zhu Zhanji was well aware that the upheaval in his marriage was akin to experiencing a battle without smoke and gunfire; in this fight, he had lost

Beyond the temple lies Qianfo Rock, which is a large stone approximately two to three zhang high, embedded with one thousand variously sized Buddhist caves. Some of these caves are grand and exquisite, with serene and solemn appearances; merely pausing to observe them for a while will bring tranquility to the mind and dispel all worries

Thus, facing the majestic and solemn mountain gate, Ruo Wei clasped her hands together and knelt down with unparalleled sincerity. This time, was it for her parents or for herself? Who could know?

Madam Gui glanced around, and the small room had been completely transformed. The three individuals before her all appeared dusty and disheveled, prompting her to sigh lightly: "You young ladies have suffered, but there are rules in this temple. All matters of daily living and meals must be handled by yourselves, and there is no distinction between master and servant here. Each day, we rise at the hour of Chen, first going to the main hall to listen to the scriptures. Only after the morning service concludes may we enter the dining hall for meals. Although there is a cook to prepare the three daily meals, everyone must take turns assisting. Since today is your first day here, I have sent someone to bring you food."

"Young lady, look, if you follow this path up, you will reach the Sanyuan Temple!" Ziyan, with her keen eyes, exclaimed as she glanced ahead.

Thus, leading Xiangting, Ziyan, and Ruowei, the three of them ascended the steps slowly. One could not help but recall the past years, when they had also been on this Qixia Mountain, together with brothers Zhanji and Zhanyong, as well as Princess Xianning, enjoying a spring outing and climbing this mountain. The memories were vivid, and now, in the same spring season, everything and everyone had changed, which made one feel even more sorrowful.

Granny Gui said: "There are trees everywhere on this mountain, so we are most afraid of fire. No one is allowed to start a fire privately in any of the halls or courtyards. There is only one place in front for the fire, where we boil water and cook. However, everything must be done by yourselves. After we finish eating, I will have someone bring you a few buckets of hot water so you can wash yourselves well. Tomorrow morning, I will take you to meet the Master, Yu Hua Zhen Ren!"

If Wei nodded repeatedly

Who to lose to

Who is the Jade Emperor? Ruo Wei silently pondered in her heart, wondering who this person could be

Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji held the handkerchief in his hand, gazing at the hollowed-out red candle, his heart in anguish and his expression sorrowful. A plain handkerchief conveys heartfelt sentiments, intertwining thoughts of longing; both horizontally and vertically, it signifies yearning. A thread of affection, accompanied by numerous moments of melancholy, can only be articulated in such a manner by someone as delicate as Ruorui.

Xiang Ting paused for a moment and immediately said: "Zi Yan, go help the young lady, I will go outside to fetch some water, let us tidy up properly!"

If Wei listened, she couldn't help but laugh and say, "Nowadays, we are just servants!" While saying this, her hands did not idle; she meticulously swept from the corner to the wall, addressing the spider webs that were brushed down by the broom, and Wei murmured, "I apologize, dear spider, but since this young lady is moving in, I must kindly ask you to relocate your home!"

Can this house still be tidied up? Zi Yan mumbled, "Even the servant quarters of our Sun residence are much better than this!"

Moreover, she would actually remove the wick; without the wick, the wax signifies that her life will no longer have light and brightness, nor warmth and passion.

Can he win

Your Highness, there is something... Ziyan has asked this servant to secretly inform you!" Xiaoshanzi stood to the side, shrinking back, hesitating to speak.

Stealing a glance at the emperor, I thought to myself, clearly we are a pair of childhood sweethearts, yet you, in a moment of whimsy, have conjured such a divine stroke of genius, who can withstand this

Zhan Ji let out a hearty laugh towards the sky, his young and handsome face displaying an unprecedentedly wild and flamboyant smile. Yet, this smile, under the midday sun, distinctly carried a hint of wicked charm. Was this trace of laughter a manifestation of immense confidence, looking down upon the world, or was it a reckless arrogance, disdainful of everything?

Zhu Zhanji was filled with indignation and could not contain himself, so he immediately rushed out

After finishing the meal, Ziyan tidied up the dishes, Xiangting took out a candlestick, lit a white candle, and placed it on top. Ruowei stood by the window, her gaze quietly fixed on the ancient locust tree in the courtyard, her brows slightly furrowed as she pondered deeply.

Your Highness. Your Highness! Little Shanzi is desperately chasing from behind: "Your Highness, are you going to confront the Crown Princess? If that is the case, Little Shanzi will be in grave danger!"

Surrounded by three green mountains, a small path leads in front while a stream bank supports the back. Dozens of locust and willow trees are as green as smoke, and one or two ponds reflect the clear water. It is indeed a rare tranquil place, truly a splendid environment for Taoist cultivation.

If Wei and others followed Granny Gui, they walked all the way to the last courtyard, passed through the moon gate behind the west wing, and entered a small courtyard. Inside, there were three main rooms, surrounded by walls on three sides, with an old locust tree and a small patch of green bamboo in the courtyard, creating an exceptionally secluded atmosphere

"What did that girl give in return?" Zhu Di suddenly asked, his interest piqued.

Zhu Zhanji immediately halted his steps, his expression changing in an instant, and he commanded in a low voice: "Prepare the horses! Proceed to the training ground"

Jack Ma is even more in the dark, completely unaware of the reasons behind it

Such a woman, who follows life and death, and such a love that endures through life and death, which man in this world can remain unmoved by it! This is her talent, and even more so, her infatuation

Ziyan covered her lips and smiled, pointing at Ruowei, and said: "Are you afraid, young lady? At night on this mountain, the wind howls and the shadows of the trees dance; it is not like in the palace, where there are guards and eunuchs patrolling outside, which is why we are here to accompany you"

All the resentment transformed into a surge of strength, propelling upward with great effort. Before long, I arrived outside Qixia Temple, pausing in front of the main hall to listen to the rhythmic sound of the bell, which involuntarily made me stop.

Sweeping the walls, wiping the doors and windows, and cleaning the furniture, I also took down the curtains from the bed, washed them thoroughly, and hung them in the small courtyard. I was busy until the sun set behind the mountains, and only then did the three small rooms look completely refreshed

"Young lady, you must pass through Qixia Temple, go beyond Qianfo Rock, and ascend to the mountain peak to reach Sanyun Temple!" Xiangting explained beside her

If one gazes upward, one can see in the distance a quaint and serene Taoist temple nestled among the lush green mountains, and upon glancing back down the mountain, the heart feels suddenly enlightened. At the foot of the mountain, looking up at Qixia Mountain, the scenery is beautiful yet the path is winding and somewhat perilous. If one gives up climbing out of fear of the steepness, how can one behold the beauty of the mountain? After reaching the mountainside, the path becomes even more difficult, and many people turn back midway, thus they only witness the scenery at the mountainside. Without ascending further, how could one discover that a hidden path in the depths is actually so flat and tranquil, as if it were a shortcut leading to the summit to behold the most beautiful views there? After reaching the mountainside, the path becomes even more difficult, and many people turn back midway, thus they only witness the scenery at the mountainside. Without ascending further, how could one discover that a hidden path in the depths is actually so flat and tranquil, as if it were a shortcut leading to the summit to behold the most beautiful views there.

Zhan Ji's eyes flickered slightly, and he quickly inquired.

Thus, the mood of the two of them brightened, and they quickly followed closely behind Ruowei, hastening towards the mountain peak with great speed

If Wei glared at her and said: "You ungrateful girl, truly unaware of a good person's intentions. Since the nights on the mountain are cold and damp, the three of us staying in one room not only alleviates boredom but also generates warmth. I am doing this for your own good"

If it is a micro, then the wick, I will surely help you find it back

Xiao Shanzi quietly stepped forward a few paces and whispered in Zhu Zhanji's ear for a moment

"Miss Wei, this is the elder Gui Mama from the palace. From now on, she will take care of your daily needs. The San Yuan Temple is a royal Taoist temple with many rules. You can rest assured and settle in; Gui Mama will teach you gradually!" Master Rong spoke kindly, and after finishing, he led two young acolytes to the carriage to carry the boxes and bundles.

Miss, this is Qingxin Courtyard. You will reside here from now on. I will be in the west side room of the main hall in front. Call for me if you need anything!" Granny Gui pushed open the door, gave a slight nod, and then walked out of the small courtyard, heading forward.

"Miss, it's time to eat!" Xiang Ting opened the food box and placed the dishes on the table. Zi Yan glanced at it and exclaimed, "Goodness, it's all vegetables and tofu!"

As Wei, Ziyan, and Xiangting followed her into the temple, they soon discovered that this Taoist temple was a realm of its own. Beyond the gatehouse, there were two halls for preaching and teaching, and behind them were the living quarters, with wing rooms on either side. There were several courtyards, and the residences totaled several dozen rooms. Not far away, built along the mountain slope, there were several pavilions amidst the mountains and waters, along with a few small bridges.

A path emerges amidst the lush greenery after passing by Qianfo Rock

The table, coffee table, bookshelf, and bed are all covered with a thick layer of dust, and dense cobwebs hang in the corners of the room. If she had seen such a scene before going up the mountain, she would undoubtedly have felt sad and on the verge of tears. However, at this moment, she remains composed, rolls up her sleeves, picks up a broom, and begins to sweep the room while standing on a stool

Zhu Di lay on the kang in the eastern warm hall of the Qianqing Palace, half-closing his eyes, listening to the report from the chief eunuch Ma Yun

Was Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty in a similar state of mind during her time at the Gan Ye Temple as she is today? If she were indeed like her, that would be fine; what is concerning is if she were to end up like Yang Yuhuan, the Consort of Prince Shou during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, ultimately transforming from Lady Taizhen into the Imperial Concubine of the Tang Dynasty. If that were the case, there would truly be no need to continue down this path.

As they were exhausting their efforts, slowly speculating.

At this moment, a sound of footsteps echoed in the courtyard. Turning to look, it was Granny Gui leading a young child who was carrying a food box.

The exceptionally handsome eyebrows were gently raised, and a pair of deep starry eyes shone as bright and clear as crystal, yet they lacked the brilliance of yesteryears. It seemed as if a mist enveloped them, and in an instant, soft ripples emerged. The high nose bridge, with its pleasing curve, added a touch of solitude to him at that moment

"What does it mean to remove the wick from the red wax candle?" Zhu Di was perplexed.

If she smiles faintly

All of this, at the foot of the mountain and halfway up, is beyond comprehension. If one suddenly understands a principle, it is to not give up, to not retreat; the path may twist and turn, and after the dark will come the light. The way out and hope may actually be right beneath one's feet

In the past, he had not considered it, but now he has come to understand. He wants to win, he must win, this battle is not yet over, and he has already devised a way to turn the tide in his favor

The Qixia Mountain truly is a wonderful place, as the saying goes, "When the old man from the frontier lost his horse, how could one know it is not a blessing?" Now that I have come to know this, how can I not find solace by searching through all such sentences and anecdotes in my mind to comfort myself

Because her heart is lost