The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 365 - The Ledger

Since the master wouldn't say more, Ning Chen saw no reason to insist. Though there was no need to pray specifically for blessings, given that they were already in a Buddhist temple, copying scriptures and calming the mind still seemed appropriate.

A young monk brought over paper and ink. Ning Chen and Ye Yun each sat on one side and began copying Buddhist scriptures, while Master Ruokong meditated nearby.

Outside, the first snow of the year gently fell, adding to the serene atmosphere.

After half an hour, Yuan Jiu quietly entered and whispered a few words into Ning Chen's ear. For a moment, Ning Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

"You can stay here to continue copying the scriptures or return to rest. I have matters to attend to, so I won't be able to keep you company," Ning Chen said softly, setting down his brush.

Ye Yun nodded. "Go ahead, Your Majesty. I have nothing to occupy me."

After seeing him off, Ye Yun continued copying the scriptures. She still had about a third left and didn't want to leave it unfinished. Moreover, the temple brought her a rare sense of peace.

When she finished, Master Ruokong happened to open his eyes.

"If Your Highness trusts me, why not leave the scripture to me for recitation before the Buddha?" he suggested.

Ye Yun slightly bowed. "I would be most grateful, though I would be troubling you."

Master Ruokong returned the gesture, hands together in prayer.

After sending off Ye Yun, a young monk entered the room to clean up the ink, brushes, and paper from the table. He couldn't help but ask, "Master, why did you offer to recite scriptures for her? Many people beg for this and can't get it."

"Did you notice anything about her?" the master asked in return.

The young monk scratched his head. "I'm ignorant, Master. I didn't see anything special. I just thought she carried an extraordinary aura, probably because she's accustomed to living in luxury."

Master Ruokong, however, smiled and shook his head. "This female benefactor carries the aura of the golden phoenix, and she wields it quite well."

"Then doesn't that mean she could become Empress?" The young monk's eyes widened in surprise.

"If a person follows their destined fate, then yes, it's certain. But right now, fate follows the person, so it all depends on her choices," the master said, lowering his gaze. "Stop asking questions and go clean up. Then come meditate with me."

The young monk nodded and kept quiet.

Fate is a strange thing. Take, for example, the former Empress Xie. She too had the destiny of a golden phoenix, but she couldn't wield it, so she met a tragic end. Ye Yun, however, can control it, so whether her fate becomes apparent or stays hidden is entirely up to her.

Elsewhere, about half an hour later, Ye Yun returned to her residence. Kong Qing was waiting at the door and immediately stepped forward when he saw her mistress. "Zhao Yuan, the Minister of Personnel, Lord Xu, has entered the temple, along with Yi Shunyi's brother, Lord Wu, the Junior Secretary of the Dali Temple."

"I understand. Keep an eye on things from the shadows. If there's any further news, report to me immediately," Ye Yun ordered coldly.

After entering the room, she removed her cloak and drank a cup of hot tea before sitting down by the stove.

Ning Chen had already begun taking action, as evidenced by how quickly his people met in secret. The question was, which angle was he investigating?

The Duke of Ying's household was intricately intertwined with too many things. If they startled the snake by hitting the grass, the Duke would become cautious, making things much harder.