The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 163: Not Fated with Buddha (1)

"You said it yourself!" Yun Qianyue rejoiced immediately.

"Yes, I said it. I'll wait until Miss Qianyue decides she'd like to have her fortune told, and then I'll do it. This prediction shall be left for another day," Master Lingyin nodded.

"Brother, did you hear that? Now, let go of me," Yun Qianyue turned with smug satisfaction to Yun Muhan.

Yun Muhan frowned, still holding her wrist tightly. He looked at Master Lingyin and said, "Master, you roam far and wide, and who knows when you and my sister might meet again. Since fate has brought you together today, it's best for you to give her this reading."

"Shizi, divination requires sincerity to work. Since Miss Qianyue has no desire for it, any reading now would be meaningless. Though the world is vast, fate may bring us together again. For those truly connected, distance means nothing, and they can meet even from afar. If Miss Qianyue wishes to seek me out one day, she'll surely find me," Master Lingyin shook his head gently.

"Did you hear that? Sincerity brings results, my dear brother!" Yun Qianyue said pointedly.

"Qianyue, but wouldn't it be best if the Master..." Yun Wangye also felt it was a rare opportunity and sighed, unable to understand his daughter's reasoning, now as much as ever.

"Can you all stop badgering me? Don't make me angry!" Yun Qianyue's face darkened.

Yun Wangye fell silent at once.

Yun Muhan glanced at her, seemingly resigned, and slowly released her wrist.

Yun Qianyue rubbed her reddened wrist, shot him a fierce look, and waved to Master Lingyin. "Green hills and clear waters — I hope we never meet again!" She turned and headed for Rongjing's carriage.

"Green hills and clear waters — until we meet again! Miss Qianyue may one day seek me out of her own accord," Master Lingyin replied, smiling as he watched her brisk steps.

Yun Qianyue merely scoffed as she approached the intricately carved sandalwood carriage. Pulling back the curtain, she slipped inside, where the dark covering completely obscured any view of the interior.

"Master, until we meet again," Rongjing offered a soft smile and bowed slightly.

"Heir Brother, until we meet again. No need for such formalities — safe travels, Shizi-ge!" Master Lingyin put his hands together, smiling.

"Indeed!" Rongjing nodded, then turned and walked to the carriage. Though he moved slowly, he soon reached it, lifted the curtain, and entered. A moment later, he called out, "Rong Xi, you can ride back to the estate with your second sister's carriage."

"Yes, Shizi-ge!" Rong Xi replied cheerfully and moved toward Rong Linglan's carriage.

Xian Ge, who'd been waiting beside the carriage, flicked the reins, and they started on their way.

"I hope we never meet again, Master! I can't stand hearing monks chanting," Night Qingran waved to Master Lingyin and went to retrieve his horse.

"Safe travels, Little Prince!" Master Lingyin nodded and smiled.

"Hey, weren't you going to ride in the carriage?" Ye Tianyu called after Night Qingran, hastily bowing to Master Lingyin before chasing after him.

"My dear sister is probably scowling right now. I'd rather not deal with her temper; let her take it out on the gentle Shizi-ge!" Night Qingran sighed, feeling a bit guilty. Although he'd wanted to help, Yun Muhan's warning had been severe, as the old Yun family head had impressive influence. If he really got on the man's bad side, the old head might just lock the girl up, and with her martial abilities gone, she wouldn't be able to slip out easily. Naturally, he had to avoid any more threats from Yun Muhan.

"Indeed. Sister Qianyue does seem a little different," Ye Tianyu murmured, recalling how Yun Qianyue had dared show irritation even toward Yun Wangye. He sighed, impressed by her courage.

"Where is the change? I'd say this is just her true nature coming through," Night Qingran untied the reins, mounted his horse, and spurred it toward the mountain road. Though the path was steep and winding, he rode as if on level ground.

Ye Tianyu paused in thought, his gaze flickering briefly, then turned to head back to his own carriage.

Yun Muhan nodded to Master Lingyin, who returned the nod before heading to his own carriage.

"Your Highness, Wangye — until we meet again!" Master Lingyin said, bowing to Ye Tianqing and Yun Wangye.

"Master, when will you be leaving Lingtai Temple?" Yun Wangye asked, still contemplating that if he couldn't convince Qianyue, perhaps the old family head could persuade her to accept the reading.

"I'll be leaving shortly. I've been invited by a fellow practitioner to journey to the East Sea," Master Lingyin replied.

Yun Wangye was startled. "Master, if you go to the East Sea, and Qianyue changes her mind and seeks you out, how can she find you?"

"Do not worry, Wangye. Miss Qianyue is a determined spirit and will not easily seek me out. Perhaps she may never come to me in her life. But fate is all about timing — don't overthink it," Master Lingyin smiled.

Yun Wangye nodded, resigned, and sighed inwardly.

"My father sent me here to pray and immerse myself in the blessings of Buddha, and I've gained much from it. He initially wished to invite you into the palace for a few days. Now, if you're leaving, that won't be possible. I wonder when you might return? I hope we may meet again by the time of the next Prayers Festival," Ye Tianqing asked.

"Traveling to the East Sea is a long journey, and my return is uncertain. At the shortest, one or two years, perhaps three to five, or it could be a decade. Please, do not concern yourself," Master Lingyin turned to him with a serious expression and said, "I leave you with one piece of advice: what is destined will come, and what is not, cannot be forced. Keep a kind and open heart, Your Highness, for only then will your path be wide and open. If you don't, you may incite misfortune upon yourself. Keep this well in mind."

"I will, Master. I shall remember your words," Ye Tianqing nodded solemnly, and then headed toward his carriage.

Rong Linglan quietly fell in step behind him.

"Master, I hope you'll have a safe journey and return soon from the East Sea," Yun Wangye bowed, then made his way to his own carriage.

The carriages lined up as they had on arrival, moving down the mountain road. In the lead, Rongjing's carriage had already disappeared, while the others just began their descent. From a distance, the procession on Xiangquan Mountain formed an impressive scene.