Huguo Temple.
Madam Shen did not accompany them this time, but her arrangements were thorough. As soon as Shen Wan and Liu Mu stepped down from the carriage, they saw two kindly-looking elderly monks standing outside the main gates of Huguo Temple.
One of them looked familiar to Shen Wan. After a moment's thought, she remembered that he seemed to be the monk who had guided them on their previous visit. The other monk appeared even older, his compassionate expression alone enough to put people at ease.
Shen Wan behaved with due propriety, greeting them as she had before. "We trouble the two Masters."
The familiar monk smiled and returned the greeting, gesturing toward the elder monk beside him, who also had his palms pressed together. "This is Abbot Xuánjìng of Huguo Temple. The Abbot divined that he would have an affinity with the two benefactors today and came specially to meet you."
Liu Mu felt both honored and flustered and immediately returned the greeting. Shen Wan, on the other hand, felt her scalp prickle.
She had not read many novels under her previous circumstances, but she was still familiar with common transmigration tropes. Once a transmigrated person encountered a high monk or expert, that person would often detect their unusual origins and offer guidance.
Shen Wan did not consider herself a protagonist. She doubted she would receive any enlightenment; more likely, she would be treated as a monster and burned. The thought made her want to flee, but with Liu Mu at her side, she forced herself to calm down.
Fortunately, Xuánjìng did not seem especially focused on her. His calm gaze swept briefly over Shen Wan before settling on Liu Mu instead. "According to Madam Shen, the two benefactors intend to stay in the temple for a time?"
Shen Wan quietly exhaled in relief and answered calmly. "Yes. We will trouble the Abbot and the Masters during our stay."
"Benefactor Shen worries too much," Xuánjìng replied with a gentle smile. "The meditation quarters have already been prepared. Please follow this poor monk."
Huguo Temple occupied nearly the entire mountainside of Mount Sumeru, yet its construction had clearly preserved much of the mountain's natural scenery. Shen Wan and Liu Mu followed Xuánjìng for quite some time, until even the faint chanting from the front halls could no longer be heard. Only then did they stop before an exceptionally quiet courtyard.
The courtyard was small but elegant. In its southeastern corner, a stream of spring water had been diverted from somewhere unknown. Sunlight shimmered on the surface, coating the clear water in scattered gold.
The two side rooms prepared for lodging were clean and orderly, each detail infused with calming Zen intent. A faint, subtle fragrance of tea seemed to linger in the air.
Though Shen Wan was not deeply familiar with ancient times, she could tell that these quarters were among the best in Huguo Temple. When Xuánjìng took his leave, she sincerely thanked him once more. "Many thanks, Abbot."
Liu Mu also offered her thanks, but in the end could not help asking, "May I be so bold as to ask, Master—will Prince Yong be coming to Huguo Temple soon?"
Shen Wan blinked and looked toward Xuánjìng as well. She could not be sure if it was her imagination, but she felt that Xuánjìng seemed to glance at her from the corner of his eye. His tone carried a faintly meaningful note. "The two benefactors need not worry. What you seek will soon be fulfilled."
Liu Mu's face immediately brightened with joy. Shen Wan, however, turned the words over in her mind, only to come up empty, and eventually let it go.
Mount Sumeru was not particularly tall, yet the nights were still cold. Shen Wan's body had not fully recovered; even wrapped in thick quilts, she felt chill creeping up from her feet. She tossed and turned all night, and by sunrise felt heavy with drowsiness instead.
Zhichu felt distressed seeing her like this but could not dissuade her. Squatting by the stream, she complained to Mu Su with a worried frown. "Miss still hasn't cleared the cold from her body. If she stays on the mountain a few more days, she'll surely fall ill again. And Prince Yong hasn't shown up yet, but Miss insists on waiting."
Mu Su lowered her gaze to the water. A faint crease appeared between her brows as she murmured, "It shouldn't take that long."
"Hopefully," Zhichu sighed.
Before noon, a young novice hurried over with news that Prince Yong had come up the mountain. Zhichu was overjoyed and immediately ran to inform Shen Wan and Liu Mu, leaving Mu Su alone in the courtyard, quietly hiding her accomplishments.
"Miss, Prince Yong has come up the mountain," Zhichu said excitedly. "He has just finished repaying his vows and has gone to the Abbot's courtyard."
Liu Mu reacted even faster than Shen Wan. "Really?"
"Really," Zhichu nodded. "Miss Liu, if you take the jade pendant with you, you should be able to see Prince Yong."
Liu Mu nodded eagerly, and Shen Wan felt her own excitement rise.
The Abbot's courtyard was not far from their lodging, but due to heightened security, they had to take several detours. What should have been a short walk stretched into nearly half an hour.
Outside the tightly closed gate stood a young man with a cold expression, arms crossed, a sword at his waist—it was Qing Su. Seeing Liu Mu and Shen Wan, he quickly adjusted his expression into one of surprise. "Miss Liu? Why are you here?"
Liu Mu explained everything at once. Qing Su readily agreed, took the jade pendant, and entered the courtyard.
Liu Mu began pacing back and forth, barely able to contain her excitement.
Shen Wan, however, recalled Qing Su's evasive glance and touched her face with confusion. "Zhichu, do I look that terrible today? Why did that guard look like he'd seen a ghost?"
"Miss, I told you several times already," Zhichu emphasized, "your complexion really is poor. If you stay on the mountain any longer, you'll fall ill again."
Shen Wan nodded uncertainly and fell silent.
Qing Su returned quickly and gestured for Liu Mu to enter alone. Unable to watch the meeting, Shen Wan felt mild regret but waved her on. "Go ahead, Sister Liu. I'll head back with Zhichu."
Liu Mu nodded and followed Qing Su inside.
Lu Zhan sat beneath a pavilion in the Abbot's courtyard. He merely nodded when Liu Mu entered.
After returning to the meditation quarters, Liu Mu finally felt at ease and confided everything to Shen Wan.
When Liu Mu revealed the truth, Shen Wan froze. "…You don't like Prince Yong?"
Liu Mu laughed helplessly. "How could I? He's not my type at all."
Shen Wan stared blankly. "But… he's so handsome."
Liu Mu glanced around nervously and whispered, "…In my eyes, he's actually rather ugly."