WK Chapter 59

The innocent childish words came out.

 

The elderly aunt was stunned, forgetting her kind elderly act, and hurriedly said to Ye Xiaoyuan: “Gonggong, that’s not what I meant earlier!”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan played along perfectly: “May I ask your surname and name, and where you live?” Then he turned to look at Xu Jianyan, “Oh…! You are the Minister of Imperial Household Affairs! I remember that.”

 

“Is this your only aunt? Then whether His Majesty knows her name or not doesn’t matter.”

 

Xu Jianyan: “No, no, no!”

 

“You misunderstand!”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan smiled and said, “You two can’t convince me, I only listen to the young prince.”

 

The one who spoke was their prince. Were these two trying to appeal to him? Weren’t they just thinking that the prince was young and might not understand, hoping to deceive his personal eunuch?

 

Their prince was actually quite clever.

 

The two had no choice but to turn to him: “Seventh Prince, we didn’t mean what you just said.”

 

Xu Jianyan’s mouth felt bitter. He had been thoroughly set up by his aunt, and now he was in this predicament. If this really reached the Emperor’s ears, losing his position would be the least of his worries—losing his head would be the bigger concern!

 

Qu Dubian covered his nose and stayed far away from him, uncomfortable with the nosebleed.

 

Then his eyes turned, showing his mischievous nature. Qu Dubian pointed his finger and said, “Let’s play a game! If you win, I won’t tell.”

 

Xu Jianyan: “Please tell us.”

 

Qu Dubian: “I’m very good at counting. I’ll count to ten. If you can run out of the marquis’s residence, I won’t tell the Emperor. If you can’t—”

 

“One, two, three…”

 

Xu Jianyan: “!!!”

 

How did he start counting already!

 

Without time to think, he turned and ran! Beside him, the elderly aunt instantly threw away her cane. The old woman who had needed help to sit down earlier nimbly jumped onto Xu Jianyan’s back, her arms tightly locking around his neck.

 

“Hurry, hurry.”

 

Xu Jianyan’s face turned red from the chokehold: “…cough cough! Aunt!”

 

Qu Dubian counted on his fingers, “Six… hmm, nine…”

 

Xu Jianyan: “???”

 

He let out a mighty roar: “Everyone hurry!!”

 

Damn it, what was the Seventh Prince saying? How was his counting good? It wasn’t good at all!

 

Xu Jianyan carried the old woman and ran out quickly, with his children and grandchildren following in a rush. Da Hei chased after them a few steps for effect, barking a few times.

 

They ran even faster.

 

The front hall was instantly clean, all the troublesome people gone.

 

Qu Dubian clapped his hands, “That’s much more comfortable now.”

 

He looked up, eyes bright and sparkling, “Wasn’t I amazing?”

 

In Xu Jin and Wu Siwan’s eyes, he was like a little child who had done something incredibly impressive, standing with hands on hips, chest puffed out, seeking praise from his elders.

 

“Our precious darling!”

 

Xu Jin’s heart melted. He lifted him up and spun him around in the air a few times. “So amazing, you solved a big problem for us. Remember, the one with the swollen face like a pig’s head really is a pig. Stay away from him in the future, or you might catch his stupidity.”

 

Wu Siwan: “Come, now that the annoying people are gone, let’s eat.”

 

Qu Dubian: “Okay.”

 

–

 

Evening.

 

In the afternoon, various officials came to the marquis’s residence one after another.

 

Most were military officers coming to visit the Sword-Holding Marquis.

 

Qu Dubian listened for half the day and felt it was similar to a fan meet-and-greet. Thinking about it, he realized it made sense—any military officer in the Da Zhou with ambition would want to achieve the same accomplishments as his grandfather.

 

The night before last, he had been in the Xinuan Pavilion listening to the arguments in the West Warm Pavilion. Despite how intense it got, his grandfather remained unaffected.

 

If one day his cheap father wanted to deal with his grandfather, he definitely wouldn’t be too harsh—at most, he would strip him of power.

 

His grandfather’s solid achievements, reputation in court, and public image were all his lifelines.

 

Qu Dubian narrowed his eyes, his thoughts drifting.

 

If he could go to the battlefield and fight, accumulating military merits, wouldn’t he be able to do whatever he wanted for life without seizing power?

 

After pondering for a while, Qu Dubian came back to his senses, shaking his body and rubbing his face.

 

He had really read too many martial arts novels and sometimes got too excited. At his core, he was a modern person—farming was his instinct, and he didn’t want to have so much blood on his hands.

 

In the courtyard.

 

Wen Xiaochun had changed into a thin, tight-fitting outfit and was sweating profusely as he sparred with Langqi.

 

Obviously, Wen Xiaochun was at a disadvantage.

 

The moves and foundation he had learned were simply not on the same level as someone who had fought on real battlefields.

 

Xu Jin, having sent off his guests and tidied up, picked up his little grandson who was squatting and watching the match. “How is it? Aren’t grandfather’s subordinates impressive?”

 

Qu Dubian leaned close to his ear and whispered softly: “Not as impressive as grandfather.”

 

“Hahaha!”

 

Xu Jin: “Let’s go out to the temple fair.”

 

Qu Dubian: “Aren’t Xiaochun and Uncle Langqi coming?”

 

After carrying him some distance away, Xu Jin said quietly: “Your grandfather will have to return to the northern border in a while. You rarely have someone openly skilled in martial arts by your side, but he lacks training. I’ll leave him to your grandfather for these few days to train him properly.”

 

“Don’t worry, I’ve explained everything to Gonggong Xiaochun, and he’s willing.”

 

Qu Dubian understood. They came to grandfather’s house to relax and play, while Xiaochun was leveling up on his own. That was good—with Xiaochun’s non-confrontational nature, having better martial skills would prevent him from being bullied when he went to the Inspection and Transport Office after the New Year.

 

Qu Dubian cupped his hands around his mouth like a megaphone: “Work hard, Xiaochun! I believe in you!!”

 

Wen Xiaochun instinctively looked over, his mouth curving into a smile—

 

Bang!

 

A fist hit his chest, sending him flying.

 

He landed on the ground with a splat, bouncing twice.

 

Qu Dubian covered his eyes, unable to watch directly.

 

Good luck, Xiaochun. This was something he couldn’t help with.

 

Outside the residence, his grandmother and Ye Xiaoyuan, who was holding Da Hei’s leash, were already waiting at the gate.

 

For going outside where there were many people, Da Hei still wore its muzzle, obediently allowing itself to be leashed, not running around. Er Sen followed alongside as they went out to visit the temple fair.

 

This was Qu Dubian’s first time going out to explore since coming to ancient times. He was lifted high by his grandfather, sitting on his broad shoulders, taking in everything.

 

By now it was dark. Children ran along the streets holding lanterns, with worried adults chasing after them.

 

In the teahouses and entertainment venues, Nuo operas were being performed. Nuo opera was believed to dispel illness and epidemics. In previous dynasties, it had strong elements of spirits, ghosts, and witchcraft, but gradually evolved into ordinary opera performances.

 

Common people gathered around, buying candied fruits and melon seeds. Families sat at tables, ordered pots of tea, and could listen until midnight.

 

Those who couldn’t get tables stood, and some lifted their children to see.

 

The arched bridge curved gently. Despite the cold wind, it couldn’t block the view of the double boats below, where young men and women exchanged tender glances.

 

Today there was no curfew. The capital of Da Zhou was like a city that never sleeps.

 

The streets were bustling with carriages and horses, flowing with dreamlike light. Wealthy people stood on the upper floors of taverns, holding cups and looking down.

 

Prosperity, elegance, beauty.

 

And endless traces of ordinary life.

 

Regardless of how people in other places celebrated the New Year, at least in the capital, the common people seemed to be doing well.

 

He looked around, walking among the crowds of the mortal world. The strange soul of this era seemed to finally be finding its place, step by step.

 

Qu Dubian casually took several candied haws from a vendor’s straw stand. Er Sen followed behind, paying for them.

 

Nearby children immediately cast envious glances.

 

Qu Dubian distributed the candied haws, one to each person, then fed his grandfather a bite. “Grandmother, where are we going?”

 

Wu Siwan was in high spirits, looking even more energetic than Ye Xiaoyuan, and said happily: “There’s a temple ahead. I made an appointment with Master Wenruo in advance. I heard they only have blessing tablets tonight, so we should go early.”

 

Xu Jin’s jaw ached with sourness: “It doesn’t matter. If we’re late, we can just give more money.”

 

“It’s fine either way. We’re just out for a stroll. The palace is big, but it’s confining—not as comfortable as outside,” Qu Dubian couldn’t see his grandfather’s expression. “Grandfather, are the hawthorns sweet?”

 

Xu Jin: “Sweet!”

 

Even poison would be sweet if given by his grandson.

 

Qu Dubian: “Then have another one!”

 

“…Little darling, why aren’t you eating?”

 

Qu Dubian: “I ate one, but it’s too sour! Since grandfather likes them, it’s perfect—no need to waste food.”

 

Xu Jin: “…”

 

Xu Jin: “Hmm, grandfather really likes them.”

 

Wu Siwan laughed heartily.

 

The old man’s mouth was the hardest part of his entire body.

 

–

 

They made their way toward the temple.

 

His grandmother clearly came here often and led them along a less crowded path.

 

The monks at the temple, knowing many people would come these days, had placed lanterns along each path to prevent visitors from falling.

 

Many pines and bamboos were planted around.

 

The bluestone slabs had slight cracks, bearing traces of the years, quiet and serene. The bustling New Year celebrations outside seemed suddenly separated, creating tranquility amid the noise.

 

Qu Dubian came down from his grandfather’s shoulders.

 

Otherwise, his head would hit the branches.

 

He held Da Hei with one hand and his grandmother with the other. “Grandmother, be careful of your footing.”

 

The wrinkles at the corners of Wu Siwan’s eyes radiated kindness. “Alright.”

 

When they reached the meditation room in the back courtyard, Wu Siwan said something to the young monk sweeping in front. The young monk went in to announce them, and soon came running out respectfully: “Master says, honored guests have arrived, please come in.”

 

The group entered Master Wenruo’s meditation room.

 

Qu Dubian thoughtfully looked at Da Hei, who wasn’t stopped—apparently this was a dog-friendly tourist spot.

 

Lamps were lit inside the meditation room. Master Wenruo sat behind a low table. Across from him was a meditation cushion with an impression still visible, indicating the previous visitors had just left.

 

Wu Siwan knelt down, palms pressed together: “Master, it’s been a long time.”

 

Master Wenruo looked very old, with a smooth forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a slight hunch. His long beard was as white as snow, his eyes half-open, and every movement was gentle and slow.

 

“Amitabha, Madam Wu, it’s good to see you.”

 

“It’s been a long time. Madam Wu’s spirit seems much better.”

 

Wu Siwan smiled: “Thank you for remembering, Master. I’ve come to request a blessing tablet.”

 

Master Wenruo sighed inwardly at the persistence of worldly attachments, and said gently: “Is it still for the departed?”

 

Wu Siwan: “No, it’s for my child.”

 

“Child?” Only then did Master Wenruo slowly raise his head, noticing the small child holding a large black dog in the room.

 

The child had clear, handsome features and intelligent eyes, looking at him with a hint of curiosity.

 

Master Wenruo’s half-closed eyes widened slightly, “This child’s facial features…”

 

He only said half a sentence, then fell silent.

 

Master Wenruo closed his mouth and began writing on the blessing tablet.

 

Xu Jin looked at him, then at his grandson, somehow becoming inexplicably nervous.

 

He said: “What about my child’s facial features? Master, why not give a reading?”

 

If he said something nice, Xu Jin would pay.

 

Wu Siwan: “Master, why did you stop speaking?”

 

Master Wenruo: “I have three types I don’t read for, as Madam Wu knows. I was just now inadvertently presumptuous toward the young patron. Please don’t take offense.”

 

“Which three types?”

 

The young monk beside him explained: “Master has three types of people he won’t read fortunes for: First, those surrounded by killing energy; second, those destined for early death and suffering; third, those of extremely noble fate.”

 

Upon hearing this, Xu Jin’s brows knotted tightly.

 

Whether he believed it or not, hearing such things made him overthink.

 

Surrounded by killing energy, destined for early death and suffering—these didn’t sound good at all!

 

He pondered for a moment, then pulled his grandson who was holding the dog over to a corner, and whispered in his ear: “Little darling, do you think your father’s chair is spacious? Would you like to sit on it?”

 

What spacious chair? Qu Dubian, holding the dog, took a moment to react.

 

“…”

 

“!!!”

 

Qu Dubian’s pupils shook.

 

Dangerous thoughts are unacceptable, Grandfather!

 

 

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(advanced chapters available on kofi)