Clearly, the carriage had not yet left the capital, as both sides of the road were crowded with people of all kinds—men, women, young and old—all gazing at the same person—her, the Sleeping Beauty!
The murmurs were loud and varied, with all sorts of eyes fixed on her, filled with envy, jealousy, and sympathy. She instinctively glanced across at Mu Changqing, only to see him still resting with his eyes closed, seemingly unaware of everything outside.
Yin Luo adjusted the curtains. The reason for such a crowd was likely her reputation; the most beautiful woman, and the first woman to have survived three days in the Jin Prince's residence—these facts were enough to draw people's attention, which explained why so many had gathered on the street to catch a glimpse of her.
With this thought, her astonishment subsided. After all, from now on, she would have to live with this face, becoming the center of attention wherever she went. She needed to get used to it.
They finally arrived at Tian Ning Temple after nearly half a day's journey; if they had taken any longer, people would have been suffocated.
The host had prepared a vegetarian meal for them in the guest room. Mu Changqing went out with the host for a while. After Yin Luo finished her meal, he still had not returned. A thought crossed her mind, and she stepped out of the room.
This was a large Zen temple with a very tranquil environment. Towering ancient trees shaded a portion of the sky; the sky was blue and clear, making it a very comfortable place for self-cultivation. Unfortunately, she did not belong here.
She walked directly to the entrance of the courtyard but found no one there. With a sudden idea, Yin Luo stepped out of the courtyard.
She remembered the way they had come; however, walking grandly through the main gate seemed inappropriate.
Behind the Zen temple was a bamboo grove; the lush green bamboo was perfect for hiding one's figure. Yin Luo slipped inside and made her way deeper into the back courtyard based on her sense of direction. Just as she reached a fork in the path, she suddenly heard voices.
She froze for a moment and was about to retreat to hide when it was already too late because the speakers were right in front of her.
A young man dressed in elegant blue attire appeared to be in his twenties. He was strikingly handsome, with jet-black hair casually held back by an Ink Jade Hairpin, half of it cascading down onto his shoulders like a raven's feathers. His long, well-defined eyebrows complemented his embroidered robe and jade belt, and his pair of standard peach blossom eyes sparkled like stars, filled with a captivating charm that seemed to convey deep emotions. Upon seeing Yin Luo, he paused for a moment, then his eyes shone brilliantly with a mischievous glint that made it hard for anyone to look away.
"This young lady is truly beautiful! Which family do you belong to that you find yourself in the royal temple?" He quickly stepped closer, circling around Yin Luo.
Only two guards dressed in black accompanied him, their identities unclear. However, judging by his demeanor, he resembled a typical young master from a wealthy family. Yin Luo felt no fondness for him and decided to walk past him in the direction she had come from.
Yet, she had only taken two steps when the two guards blocked her path. One of them spoke sharply, clearly filled with anger: "You dare! The Emperor is asking you a question! In front of the Emperor, how can you be so audacious? Kneel and pay your respects!"
The Emperor?
Yin Luo turned back, and the young man immediately straightened up with a smug expression, as if to say, "See what happens when you offend me!" She looked again at the guard who had spoken. His features were indeed striking—red lips and white teeth—could he be the legendary eunuch?
Raising an eyebrow, she replied to him, "And what of the Emperor? He walks his sunny path while I walk my narrow bridge; we do not interfere with each other. It is he who blocks my way and speaks so rudely. Why should I kneel and pay my respects to such an emperor?"
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