The weak prince's queen

Chu Xiyue tiptoed through the vermilion gates of Putuo Temple. Entering this solemn and awe-inspiring place, she found it neither overcrowded nor deserted. She tugged tightly at Xiao Yichen's sleeve, and the two of them, like frightened birds, glanced around cautiously, their sharp eyes darting to the side, unable to miss any potential danger, any shadowy figure stalking them.

To avoid attracting attention, Chu Xiyue and Xiao Yichen concealed their faces with plain headscarves. Then, they followed the other pilgrims' movements, picking up incense sticks, kneeling reverently with their hands clasped together, and muttering something, pretending to be someone coming to burn incense and worship Buddha.

However, Chu Xiyue's heart remained restless. She would glance around nervously, fearing that the enemy would notice her if she wasn't careful. After much deliberation, Chu Xiyue thought to herself: For a matter as crucial as this, perhaps only seeking guidance and answers from the abbot is the only way to resolve my doubts. With this thought, she could no longer suppress her anxiety. She grabbed Xiao Yichen's arm and hurriedly approached a monk who was busily moving among the crowd.

When she approached the monk, Chu Xiyue lowered her voice and asked politely, "Master, could you please tell me where the abbot of your temple is now? My young lady and I have come here hoping to seek the abbot's guidance and untie the knot that has been bothering us for a long time." After that, her big watery eyes stared at the monk in front of her with anticipation, waiting for his response.

The monk smiled and politely said to the person in front of him, "Donor, please wait here for a moment while I go and report this matter to our abbot."

Chu Xiyue nodded slightly and replied softly, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Master."

The monk put his hands together, bowed to Chu Xiyue, then turned around and slowly walked into a meditation room not far away.

Time passed quietly, and in just a few moments, the Taoist priest walked out of the meditation room he had just entered. He still had a warm smile on his face and said to Chu Xiyue, "Donor, you can go in now. The abbot happens to be free today."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiyue couldn't help but feel delighted and hurriedly thanked him: "Thank you, Master." After that, she reached out and grabbed Xiao Yichen beside her, and the two of them walked quickly towards the meditation room together.

After entering the house, Chu Xiyue first looked around cautiously, and then asked respectfully: "Master Abbot..."

Before he finished speaking, a steady and kind voice came from behind the exquisite screen: "I am here. I hope you will take a seat and tell me the truth about your confusion."

Chu Xiyue nodded slightly in agreement, then gently took Xiao Yichen's hand. Together, they walked slowly toward the chairs near the screen. After they were seated, Chu Xiyue adjusted slightly to make herself more comfortable. Then, her beautiful eyes cautiously peered across the narrow gap in the screen, trying to glimpse the true face of the mysterious figure.

The man sitting there, though elderly, still had a gleaming gaze, and he looked energetic and vigorous. He seemed to emanate a unique aura, a transcendental quality that drew attention.

After calming down a bit, Chu Xiyue said softly, "Master, I have something to ask you. I wonder if I can ask you about the late emperor?"

The abbot, who had been resting with his eyes slightly closed, suddenly opened them as if startled awake upon hearing these words. He looked directly in the direction of Chu Xiyue and Xiao Yichen, and after a moment's silence, he slowly replied, "Amitabha, I really cannot help you with what you have asked."

However, during this brief exchange, Chu Xiyue meticulously observed the abbot's every subtle expression and movement. She keenly sensed a flicker of unease in his eyes when he mentioned the late emperor. Despite his best efforts to conceal it, it didn't escape Chu Xiyue's discerning eye. This intensified Chu Xiyue's conviction that the abbot must know some secret about the late emperor. Furthermore, considering the late emperor's specific request for Xiao Yichen to come to Putuo Temple, she was even more convinced that the abbot and the late emperor must have a special relationship.