In the days that followed, the girls of the Sheng family would rise early every morning, have a simple breakfast, and then begin a fulfilling and busy morning of reading. The study was filled with the faint fragrance of books. The sisters sat together, intently studying various classics, and from time to time they exchanged ideas and discussed with each other, creating a strong learning atmosphere.

In the afternoon, etiquette lessons were offered. Professional maids meticulously taught the girls the proper and elegant manners of walking, sitting, and dining, striving to perfect every action. While this life was somewhat monotonous, it helped the girls gradually develop good habits and a positive demeanor.

The days passed in an orderly fashion. On the morning of the fifteenth, at daybreak, Sheng Hong had already arranged a carriage to take Molan to Huangjue Temple to burn incense and keep her appointment. Having to wake up early to travel, Molan had slept late the previous night and now, drowsy, nestled in the warm embrace of her personal maid, Mo Xue. Although Mo Xue felt sorry for her young lady, she could do nothing but gently hold Molan, trying to let her rest a little longer in the carriage.

Outside, Mo Ran steered the carriage steadily, while Mo Yan and Mo Xuan rode on tall horses, carefully guarding either side. After all, when out and about, it was always better to be cautious. The sound of horse hooves echoed through the quiet streets, and soon they drove out of the city gates, galloping towards Huangjue Temple.

After a long journey, they finally arrived at their destination—Huangjue Temple. Mo Xue gently rocked Mo Lan in his arms and called softly, "Master, we're here!" Mo Lan groggily responded, then reluctantly opened her eyes. She rubbed her sleepy eyes, then, with Mo Xue's help, stood up and stepped out of the carriage.

A young monk, who had been waiting there for a long time, saw the guests arrive and hurried forward to ask. Upon learning that the beautiful woman before him was the fourth daughter of the Sheng family, the young monk quickly clasped his hands together in greeting and said enthusiastically, "Amitabha, it is the fourth daughter of the Sheng family who has come to visit. Our abbot has known you were coming today and has specially sent me to greet you. Please follow me." With that, the young monk turned and led the way, leading Molan and her group into the temple.

Walking along the bluestone path, Molan looked around curiously. The temple was magnificent, its architecture simple and elegant, with flying eaves, brackets, carved beams, and painted buildings, exuding a solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The air was filled with a delicate fragrance, the scent of burning incense, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. Looking around, towering ancient trees and shady greenery contrasted with the temple's red walls and yellow tiles, creating a picturesque scene. After a while, the young monk led them to a meditation room and said, "Donor, the abbot has been waiting inside for a while." Molan thanked him and walked inside with Mo Ran and the other three.

Inside the Zen room, there was a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. An old monk with a kind face, curved eyebrows, and a gentle gaze sat upright on an exquisite cushion, meditating with his eyes closed.

At this moment, the sound of light footsteps approached from afar. It was Molan approaching. She walked up to the old monk and said softly, "Greetings, Master Mingcheng!"

Hearing the voice, the host Mingcheng slowly opened his eyes, a warm smile appeared on his face, and he responded amiably: "Master Feng, there is no need to be so polite, please take a seat."

After hearing this, Molan thanked him again, then moved to a chair beside her and sat down gracefully.

The host Mingcheng turned his gaze to Molan and said slowly, "Master Feng, you and your accompanying guards can go to the inner courtyard to rest and stay. The noble will arrive here soon."

Molan nodded slightly and replied, "Thank you for telling me, Master." Seeing that Mingcheng's face had a hint of death, she knew that Mingcheng would not live long!

Then Molan took out an exquisite box from her bosom, handed it to the host Mingcheng, and said, "This medicine can prolong the life of the host Mingcheng!"

Upon hearing this, Master Mingcheng hesitated for a moment. Then, gazing at the box before him, he slowly shook his head and sighed, "Thank you, Master Feng, for your kindness. However, I am now in my twilight years, and I fear these precious medicines will be of little use to me. Master Feng, there is no need to worry about this..." Molan smiled faintly and said in a deep voice, "Master Mingcheng, rest assured. This medicine will add twenty years to your lifespan, and it will only be effective on the first dose. Do not refuse. I would like to ask Master to help me change the Song Dynasty. Considering the common people, could you bear to sit idly by and watch? After this is accomplished, I will petition the Emperor to designate Huangjue Temple as the Temple of the Protector of the Nation!"

Mingcheng hesitated for a moment, but finally took the medicine. He then said, "Good..." Then Molan handed Mingcheng the copy of the Shaolin secret manual she had copied earlier, and immediately turned and left!

After the wing room was tidied, Molan gently pushed open the door, intending to go outside to admire the unique scenery of the capital. Just then, the sound of horse hooves came from afar. It turned out to be Zhao Zhen's arrival. He immediately saw Molan standing gracefully at the door. A happy smile instantly spread across his face. He jumped off his horse and quickly walked to Molan. He stretched out his arms and hugged her tightly. He asked with concern, "Mo'er, you're new to the capital. Are you getting used to everything?"

Molan nodded slightly and replied softly, "The capital city is indeed as prosperous and bustling as the rumors say! How are you, Your Majesty, these days?"

Zhao Zhen smiled heartily and replied, "Haha, I'm fine. Thank you Mo'er for your concern. It's sunny and windy today, so I specially brought you to the back mountain to hunt and relax." After that, he pulled Molan towards the horse.

After the two of them climbed onto their horses, Zhao Zhen carefully protected Molan in front of him, then patted the horse's back and slowly moved forward. Along the way, the breeze blew on their faces, bringing bursts of fragrance from flowers and plants, making them feel relaxed and happy. Soon, they entered the depths of the mountain forest. Suddenly, a small and exquisite fox jumped out from the grass, causing Molan to scream in surprise. Zhao Zhen was quick-witted and quickly took out his bow and arrow, aiming at the little fox. Just as he was about to let go, Molan stopped him. She said with pity, "My lord, please let it go... It looks so cute, it must be an elf of this mountain."

Zhao Zhen smiled slightly upon hearing this, lowered his bow and arrow, and said gently, "Since Mo'er has requested mercy, I will naturally grant it." He then dismounted, carrying Molan in his arms, and took her hand as they strolled along the mountain path. It was early autumn, and the trees on the mountain were lush and green, with the occasional golden leaf falling like dancing butterflies.

As they walked, Molan's eye was drawn to a patch of mushrooms by the roadside. Excitedly, she tugged at Zhao Zhen's sleeve, pointed at them, and exclaimed, "Look, sir! There are so many fresh mushrooms here!" Impatiently, she squatted down and began picking. Zhao Zhen, seeing this, joined in the fun, searching for larger and more beautiful mushrooms with Molan.

Soon, they had a bountiful harvest. Molan, beaming with joy, carried the basket filled with mushrooms and looked up at Zhao Zhen, saying coquettishly, "When we return to the palace tonight, Mo'er will personally cook a delicious mushroom feast for you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Zhen's eyes lit up with fondness, and he nodded repeatedly, "Very well, I'm looking forward to it!" When they were almost done, Molan instructed Mo Ran to find a suitable container to pack the harvest and quickly return. She, on the other hand, continued their leisurely stroll with Zhao Zhen.

As they walked, they suddenly spotted a plump pheasant darting out from the brush. Quick-witted, Mo Yan dashed forward and quickly snatched it up. Meanwhile, just as Mo Lan was happily bending over to pick up some fallen chestnuts by the roadside, a sharp arrow suddenly whistled from a distance, hurtling straight towards Zhao Zhen. It happened so quickly that if Mo Lan hadn't reacted quickly and pushed Zhao Zhen out of the way, the arrow would have likely hit him.

When Mo Yan, Mo Xuan and Mo Xue hurried over and quickly protected Mo Lan and Zhao Zhen behind them, everyone was shocked to realize that many mysterious people in black had appeared around them at some point.

Seeing this, Mo Xue made a decisive decision to stay behind to protect Mo Lan and Zhao Zhen, preventing any further mishaps. Meanwhile, Mo Yan and Mo Xuan fearlessly confronted the men in black, and a fierce battle immediately ensued. Blades flashed and clashed, and in just a quarter of an hour, all the assassins had been subdued by Mo Yan and Mo Xuan. The ground was littered with men in black, some groaning, others unconscious.

Because of this sudden assassination, Zhao Zhen and Mo Lan no longer had the heart to wander around, and after some discussion, they decided to return to Huangjue Temple immediately. Mo Xuan volunteered to invite officials from the Dali Temple to arrest the assassin.

After everything was arranged, Zhao Zhen slowly turned around, his eyes resting on Mo Lan with tenderness and concern, and he said softly, "Mo'er, you can rest assured and stay here in Huangjue Temple for a few more days. I have to go ahead and investigate this matter thoroughly myself!"

Mo Lan frowned slightly, and after a moment's contemplation, she responded, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, it would be best if you could avoid leaving the palace as much as possible! The person behind this incident is most likely targeting you. If something were to happen to you, it would undoubtedly cause immense unrest in the Song Dynasty!"

Zhao Zhen hesitated, his lips parted as he was about to say something, but Molan decisively interrupted him. Her expression was solemn as she continued, "Your Majesty, please do not hesitate any longer. Your safety is of paramount importance! Prince Gun is eyeing the throne covetously. If anything were to happen to you, the consequences would be unimaginable! Not only would the women in the harem who have followed you their entire lives face a tragic fate, but even the surviving princesses would likely be equally vulnerable!"

Hearing this, Zhao Zhen's heart tightened, a look of difficulty on his face. Finally, he slowly nodded and said, "Alright, I'll do as Mo'er says. When Mo'er turns fourteen, I'll personally come to welcome you into the palace!" He then looked deeply at Molan, his eyes filled with longing and reluctance. Molan nodded slightly, indicating that she understood.

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