"If this conjecture is correct, the journey to Baiyun Temple will be extremely dangerous. The Empress Dowager will not stand idly by. However, since Father's actions are motivated by the Empress Dowager, she can't say anything. She will only try her best to guard against me. It will be difficult to find out the truth on this trip." Although Baili Chen was at odds with Emperor Mingxian in the Imperial Study, he was extremely eager to find out who had poisoned his mother and why she had been infected with Gu poison, which eventually spread to him and ruined her health. Over the years, he had been secretly investigating the truth, but it felt as if there was a layer of fog obscuring his view.
When Emperor Mingxian raised this suggestion today, Baili Chen suddenly had a flash of inspiration. There might be a reason for this. The Empress Dowager had been using medicine from Baiyun Temple for years. Baili Chen had taken those pills to study, and they were just pills for strengthening the body, nothing special. But this was probably definitely not ordinary. As for whether Emperor Mingxian really knew that he had always wanted to find out the truth and that was why he sent him, or if there was something else, Baili Chen did not want to think about it. He was doing it for himself, and it had nothing to do with Emperor Mingxian.
Of course, even if Emperor Mingxian hated him and had been using him all these years, having him as emperor was far better than having that ambitious old woman, the Empress Dowager. Under Emperor Mingxian, he still had room to grow. If the Great Zhou Dynasty ultimately fell into the hands of the Lin family, it would be a disaster for the people of the Great Zhou. Knowing all this, even if Emperor Mingxian didn't allow him to go, he would have to investigate sooner or later. Besides, going now in the name of the Emperor as Empress Dowager would be much easier and more convenient.
Ouyang Yue's expression was very serious. I felt that they seemed to have overlooked something, and it was something very important to them! A sense of unease crept into my heart!
☆、257、Tender and lingering!
Baili Chen was going to Baiyun Temple. Since Emperor Mingxian had already given the order, and they also had many doubts about the matter, they were bound to go. After returning to the mansion, Ouyang Yue had people make preparations. Baili Chen would lead a group of people to Baiyun Temple in three days.
"My cousin's husband is going to Baiyun Temple. What's he going there for?" Leng Caiwen frowned as soon as she heard this during dinner.
“Recently, quite a few things have happened at Prince Chen’s residence, and the palace is also in turmoil… Father Emperor, out of filial piety, should naturally make a gesture.” Ouyang Yue’s expression was indifferent, and it was impossible to tell whether she was happy or worried. Instead, it made Leng Caiwen frown even more. This time, it seemed that there would be many difficulties and constant dangers.
Leng Caiwen put down his bowl and chopsticks, and after thinking for a long time, he said, "I have heard some rumors about this Master Lingyun."
"What rumors?" Baili Chenqi asked, as he was now very willing to inquire about the Lingyun Celestial Master.
Leng Caiwen pursed her lips and said slowly, "This Master Lingyun has been famous for a long time, almost fifty years now. However, Master Lingyun rarely appears in front of outsiders. Even his few disciples find it difficult to see him. But twenty years ago, someone said they saw someone who resembled Master Lingyun. At that time, he had an otherworldly air about him, but he looked only in his twenties. Because of this person's reputation, even more people went to visit Baiyun Temple, many wanting to ask for the elixir of immortality. However, Baiyun Temple only said that the person was mistaken, and that Baiyun Temple did not have any elixir of immortality. Later, the matter was dropped. As for Master Lingyun, he has always been mysterious. The world only knows that he is very good at making medicine, and that the pills he makes to strengthen the body are very effective. People admire him even more. But it is precisely because this person is so mysterious that you are in even greater danger this time."
Leng Caiwen didn't bring much information, partly because there was really no news about Master Lingyun. He was incredibly mysterious. In the past, many people had tried to sneak into Baiyun Temple out of curiosity about Master Lingyun, but they all failed. Not only that, but their actions were disrespectful to Baiyun Temple and Master Lingyun. If they were caught, they would have to bear the wrath of the believers and end up in a miserable state. So, although Master Lingyun was very intriguing, these things eventually came to nothing. Although Master Lingyun became more and more mysterious, ordinary people no longer dared to try to enter Baiyun Temple.
Ouyang Yue was stunned for a moment, her brows furrowing tightly: "If what that person saw was true, it means that this Master Lingyun is over fifty years old but still looks like a young man. If he said that he doesn't know the art of immortality, I'm afraid no one would believe it."
It is said that Master Lingyun was almost thirty when he became famous, and he remained famous until he was over fifty. If you said he was an old man in his seventies or eighties, no one would think anything of it. They would just say that the old man was pure of heart and had few desires, so he was naturally long-lived. In fact, many truly enlightened monks and Taoists live a long life. But take Master Minghui for example. He looks kind and benevolent, but he is still an old man. Master Lingyun is seventy or eighty years old, but he looks like a young man. Isn't that strange?
“So, Grandmother doesn’t look that old either,” Baili Chen added.
Although she doesn't look old, she's still an old woman, and can't compare to the Empress. It seems I'll have to do a thorough investigation when I go back to Baiyun Temple.
Tonight, the stars are shining brightly, and the moon hangs in the sky like a plate with a full, rounded shape. Against the backdrop of countless stars, it exudes a cool and gentle charm. On the soft couch in the room, Baili Chen has his arms around Ouyang Yue's waist, and the latter leans against the couch. The two lean against each other intimately and gaze at each other quietly.
Ouyang Yue held the man's hands that were wrapped around her waist, opened them slightly, and slowly wrapped them together, their fingers intertwined. She whispered, "This reminds me of the time you took me to the outskirts of the city to see the night view."
Baili Chen smiled and said, "Yes, taking the opportunity to steal a kiss or a beautiful woman is truly unforgettable."
"You really are..." Ouyang Yue glanced back with dissatisfaction, but a slight smile appeared on her lips. Baili Chen slowly tightened his grip, holding the soft, boneless hand tightly in his broad, masculine palm. His heart softened, but the thought of not seeing his wife for a while after leaving filled him with unspeakable reluctance.
Ouyang Yue turned slightly to the side and wrapped her arms around Baili Chen's waist: "Husband, I already had Elder Tie prepare the hidden weapons. Take two sets with you when you go out, and be sure to come back safely."
Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen became close friends because of their shared interest in hidden weapons. Now that they are married and in love, Ouyang Yue has no reason to hide anything. Instead, she had long wanted to commission a set of hidden weapon ornaments for Baili Chen. This time, she made four items for Baili Chen: a hair ornament, wrist guards, a ring, and a belt. The total capacity of the hidden weapons she had originally designed was twice that of the original set. Although it wouldn't be enough to kill hundreds of enemies, it would be sufficient for self-defense and escape. Of course, she also upgraded the set based on her own design, creating a hairpin, necklace, ring, and bracelet as hidden weapon ornaments.
"Don't worry, my wife. With you and Su'er here, I will risk my life to come back safely. I will definitely not let you worry." Baili Su's eyes gradually darkened as he gazed deeply at Ouyang Yue. He murmured, "I never imagined before that someone could make me so attached. For her, I would be willing to give up everything. After meeting you, I feel like I'm a real person. The feeling of being cared for and worried about was so wonderful. I swear I will never give up or let go. So I will definitely come back. Don't worry, my wife. I love you so much, how could I bear to let you live a life of widowhood? And I will not give you the chance to have an affair."
Baili Chen reached out and tapped Ouyang Yue's nose, smiling as he said, "Ouyang Yue grabbed Baili Chen's hand and bit him hard, making Baili Chen gasp in pain: 'What do you mean by living like a widow? You dare say that again!'"
Baili Chen smiled, though reluctant, his heart softened. Ouyang Yue held his hand and said, "My cousin told me after dinner that he's leaving the manor tomorrow. Leng Xihai is dead, so it's time for him to return." It wasn't exactly proper for Leng Caiwen to live in the Chen Prince's manor, but since Baili Chen, as the male head of the household, was there, it didn't matter much. Now that Baili Chen was leaving the capital, Leng Caiwen's continued residence in the Chen Prince's manor would likely attract gossip. He could afford not to care, but he couldn't afford to ruin Ouyang Yue's reputation.
Baili Chen naturally had no objection to this. Ouyang Yue looked at Baili Chen with her clear eyes, and suddenly sighed, "Why do I find myself becoming more and more sentimental? Why am I so reluctant to let you leave?"
Baili Chen's eyebrows suddenly bloomed like budding flowers, displaying extremely beautiful colors. He put one arm around Ouyang Yue's waist and pressed Ouyang Yue's head down with the other. His lips and tongue, like fiery snakes, attacked Ouyang Yue with burning passion. Baili Chen was like a universe that suddenly erupted, so hot that Ouyang Yue trembled.
"Ugh..." Her lips and tongue were completely out of control, unable to hold back at all. Baili Chen's strong body pressed down on her, and Ouyang Yue had no choice but to accept it.
As her clothes gradually fell away, her slender, jade-like hands slowly circled the man's slightly dark, broad back, like two of the most beautiful colors in the world, carrying an extreme difference in beauty.
Ouyang Yue looked at the handsome man, who was sweating profusely but whose good looks were still undeniable. Seeing the deep reluctance in his eyes and his undisguised possessiveness towards her, her heart burned even hotter: "Husband, I love you!"
"My wife, I love you too, I love you so much!"
The room was filled with endless spring light, wave after wave of spring light, as if it could never satisfy the deep reluctance in the hearts of two people who were about to part.
Ouyang Yue was somewhat confused. As for how long they had been entangled, no one could say for sure. She only knew she couldn't bear to part with this man. What he was about to do might be extremely dangerous, but he had no choice but to go, and she didn't want to let him leave. Ouyang Yue thought helplessly. In her previous life, she had no attachments and had never been so sentimental. Reborn and encountering this man, she felt like a woman, experiencing heartache and longing. She didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. But being loved by such a man wasn't so bad, so she would accept it naturally.
It's normal to want what's best for someone you like, to be gentle with them, and to want them to like you even more. She's never felt that her personality has changed. She can still be ruthless and leave no trace for her enemies, and she's equally protective of those she values. She feels that she's just opening up the tenderness she used to suppress and giving it to the people who are important to her, which is a good thing.
Thinking this, Ouyang Yue turned around and hugged Baili Chen's neck, then gently kissed the corner of his mouth, her posture charming and provocative.
Baili Chen's breath hitched, but he reached out and pulled Ouyang Yue's hand down: "You'll tire yourself out if you keep going." As he spoke, he pulled the quilt embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water on Ouyang Yue's body. The two of them were naked under the quilt, pressed tightly together. Baili Chen could feel Ouyang Yue's smooth, silky skin. The heat in their bodies had not yet subsided, and Baili Chen felt like he could hardly breathe.
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow, her eyes slightly upturned, and she gently traced Baili Chen's chest with her finger: "Don't you know? I'm trying to drain your energy so you won't go looking for little vixens outside."
Baili Chen was speechless for a moment: "With my wife, who else could I possibly fancy? Why is my wife so insecure? Where in this world can you find someone who can beat my wife?"
"There are always people better than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding. You might encounter someone better in the future."
Baili Chen reached out and slapped Ouyang Yue's bottom with a crisp sound. Ouyang Yue's eyes widened in shock, still somewhat incredulous: "Wife, if you don't believe in your husband's self-control, you have to believe in your own charm. Besides, what do those women have to do with me no matter how beautiful they are? If you dare to be jealous again, I'll make sure you can't get out of bed for two days and two nights."
Ouyang Yue chuckled softly, "Alright, what's wrong with spending the next two days in bed?" Ouyang Yue suddenly turned over and smiled like a fox. Baili Chen felt as if he could vaguely see a red tail wagging behind Ouyang Yue, and seeing her sparkling eyes, he knew he was being teased by his wife.
"You!" Baili Chen reached out and pinched Ouyang Yue, then, taking advantage of her position as she was leaning on him, he pressed down on her slender waist. "In the capital, you must be careful. There are quite a few people watching you. I've left two teams of men, one in the open and one in the shadows to protect you. If all else fails, don't stay at Prince Chen's residence. Go to the Princess's residence and wait for me to return. Your great-aunt has other secret guards there. With these troops, it will be difficult for anyone to touch you."
Ouyang Yue sighed, "Don't worry, I know."
The two embraced quietly for a long while before Ouyang Yue suddenly said, "Husband, you said I wouldn't get pregnant today."
"What!" Baili Chen was stunned for a moment, and suddenly didn't want to leave.
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Should we give it a try?"
"Of course!"
"Giggle..."
Ouyang Yue laughed, but her laughter was eventually drowned out by Baili Chen's deep affection, which transformed into slivers of spring sunshine...
As expected, Ouyang Yue did not get up the next day. Baili Chen also had limited energy yesterday. He was reluctant to get up while holding Ouyang Yue. Chuncao Dongxue came to check on them a few times. Seeing that there was no movement in the room, he wisely did not knock on the door. Who could bear to disturb the tender farewell between the prince and princess?
"Haa~" Ouyang Yue yawned lazily, her eyes still a little hazy and misty. Her delicate body nestled in Baili Chen's arms, reluctant to get up.
With a flick of his finger, Baili Chen brushed aside a playful strand of hair from Ouyang Yue's ear, revealing her fair cheeks. Because she had just woken up, her cheeks were flushed with an alluring blush, making Baili Chen's heart race, but he managed to restrain himself in the end.
Ouyang Yue gently opened her eyes and chuckled softly, "Husband, I can tell something's wrong with you."
"Don't talk nonsense, this is normal. I do this every morning." Baili Chen's face was slightly red. He was holding a beautiful woman every day, and she was his beloved one. It would be strange if he didn't have a reaction. However, he had exhausted his wife all night yesterday, so he would rather endure it than let her get too tired.
Ouyang Yue looked at Baili Chen gently and said, "Husband, I'm fine."
"Just hug me for a little while, don't talk too much, or I'll spank you for being disobedient..." Baili Chen said, squinting his eyes.
Ouyang Yue was somewhat speechless. It was rare for her to be so docile and unconcerned. In other men and women, it would be different for the woman to be so eager. This man... However, she was happy in her heart, so she didn't dwell on it anymore and said with a smile, "Husband, lie with me for another half an hour."
"OK!"
But in reality, after half an hour, when Baili Chen saw Ouyang Yue's vigorous, alluring, and supple figure, he couldn't resist any longer. He naturally transformed into a wolf and had another hearty meal, much to Ouyang Yue's dismay. "Who was it that said no just now? Humph, you're so rude in the end! Look at this, look at this, and this! You really don't want me to go out in public!" Ouyang Yue pointed to her chest and then to her neck. It was summer, and she was already wearing very little. If she exposed her neck, everyone would know she was being pampered. How embarrassing!
"What's there to be afraid of? It would be best if this mark remained until I returned. Now that I've left my mark and scent on you, no one will dare to approach you." Baili Chen was completely unconcerned, looking at the mark on Ouyang Yue's body with an excited expression.
"Slap!" Ouyang Yue couldn't help but slap him. Although she was annoyed, her face turned red involuntarily.
"Hahaha!"
After Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue had finished laughing and joking for a while, they finally got up. It was already lunchtime. When they arrived at the flower hall, they saw Leng Caiwen staring at them with a dark face and some dissatisfaction. Baili Chen didn't care at all. He held his chin up and helped Ouyang Yue in. The latter was a little embarrassed, but she still smiled at Leng Caiwen, although her face turned red.
Leng Caiwen sighed helplessly, "I'm starving, this is so slow."
"Hehehe." Baili Chen seemed to be chuckling slyly, which made Leng Caiwen's face darken even more. The three of them sat down to eat. At this time, Dongxue also brought Baili Su over. Baili Su was sleeping with his head on Dongxue's arm, looking like he hadn't woken up yet. There's really nothing you can do about a child's body.
Ouyang Yue picked up Baili Su and asked, "Have you ever breastfed him?"
"Your Highness, we used some earlier, and the young prince got sleepy after using it." Ouyang Yue reached out and poked Baili Su's adorable face, which was as cute as a white steamed bun, and said with a smile, "He looks so sleepy, let's take him back first." Usually, Ouyang Yue would take care of Baili Su all day long, but sometimes when he was fed and put to sleep, Ouyang Yue would have someone take him away.
Leng Caiwen glanced at Ouyang Yue with somewhat deep eyes and said, "After dinner, I will have someone come and fetch some things, and then I will return to the Leng residence."
Ouyang Yue nodded and said, "Whenever you want to come, Cousin, the Prince Chen's residence will always welcome you."
Leng Caiwen nodded, her smile gradually spreading, but her eyes instantly became like a deep pool, her gaze towards Ouyang Yue somewhat unfathomable. Baili Chen only glanced at her before looking away.
No matter how reluctant he was, Baili Chen left with his guards two days later. However, before Ouyang Yue saw Baili Chen off, something significant happened at the Prince Chen's residence.
"My dear husband, you must be careful. My love, Su'er, is waiting for you."
"You must be extra careful in the capital. So many people are watching the Prince Chen's residence, so be cautious." The two bid each other a reluctant farewell, which made Baili Suzhi in Ouyang Yue's arms roll his eyes. Dad, hurry up and leave! He can spend more time with Mom. These past few days, they've been like glue, they can't stand not being with each other. It's really annoying.
The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with reluctance. Baili Su, caught in the middle, had a dark expression on his face. He remembered hearing that lovers' IQs were low. He thought about how smart his mother used to be, and now she was making such a silly face. Sure enough, that saying wasn't a lie. Sigh...
"Su'er, Father is leaving. Let Father hug you." Baili Su lowered his head, his tone affectionate. Baili Su raised his little head and looked at this handsome man who was a little too handsome. He reluctantly showed his sadness and reluctance, otherwise he would probably feel disappointed. So Baili Su stretched out his arms and reached out to grab Baili Chen.
Baili Chen planted a kiss on Baili Su's forehead. Before Baili Su could express his dissatisfaction with a pout, his embrace transformed into a fragrant embrace. Watching Baili Chen's heroic figure gradually walk away, Baili Su's eyes welled up with tears, a rare occurrence for him: "Dad!"
...
Everyone was stunned. Baili Chen suddenly stopped and turned around. He saw Baili Su staring at him with big, bright eyes. Baili Su seemed a little confused, but the reluctance was still evident. Baili Chen's heart skipped a beat. He rushed over and hugged Baili Su's arm tightly.
Ouyang Yue was also taken aback. After Baili Su was reborn, his body was naturally no different from that of a newborn. She didn't know if Su'er was deliberately hiding his talents and unwilling to speak or walk, or something else. After all, some children develop late and speak and walk late, so she didn't take it seriously. Now that Baili Su had spoken, she realized that he wasn't completely indifferent, but just didn't show it. At this moment, she was just as excited as Baili Chen.
Baili Chen, holding Baili Su, said in an exaggerated manner, "Did you hear that? My son called me, he called me." He was acting like a silly dad.
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Yes, Su'er called you. He called you first. By the time you came back, he could already say a lot of words."
"Mmm, good son, good son." Baili Chen excitedly kissed Baili Su's face, as if he wouldn't stop until he covered his face with spit. Baili Su looked miserable and kept casting pleading glances at Ouyang Yue. But Ouyang Yue just watched with a smile, showing no intention of rescuing him whatsoever. Baili Su almost cried. Was this some kind of joke? It was just calling out to someone, why was he so excited?
Of course he was very excited. When Baili Chen heard his son call him for the first time, he felt like he was already missing home even before he left. Looking at his beautiful wife and his well-behaved, cute, and clever son, he really shouldn't have agreed to go to Baiyun Temple. However, after dawdling for more than an hour, the palace official who was assigned by Emperor Mingxian to escort Baili Chen out of the city was almost in tears. After three attempts to persuade him, Baili Chen finally managed to leave the city with a glare and a huff.
Along the way, however, he heard Baili Chen being particularly arrogant and conceited, saying to the guards in front of him, "Leng Sha, did you see that? My son is so smart, he spoke up so early."
It's not surprising that a one-year-old child can speak, especially since he only uttered one word just now. Leng Sha stared at his master, whose face was practically beaming with joy, so naturally he wouldn't say a word. Baili Chen laughed and said, "My son is just different." He kept repeating the same thing. Seeing Baili Chen's happiness, it had somewhat dispelled the bitterness of their previous separation.
At this moment, in the Prince Chen's mansion, Ouyang Yue carried Baili Su to the bed. The two sat facing each other, staring at the young lady. After a long while, Ouyang Yue said with some dissatisfaction, "You little devil, could you have spoken a long time ago? Why did you have to wait until today to say it and scare people?"
Baili Su puffed out his chubby cheeks innocently: "No way, I'm just limited by my body, okay? I just suddenly felt impulsive and blurted it out. I wanted to say it before but couldn't, okay?"
Ouyang Yue frowned: "Hmph, you call me 'mother' and 'father' the moment you open your mouth. You disregarded my ten months of pregnancy. So, I'm really that lowly in your heart?" Silly mother, do you have to be so obviously jealous?
Baili Su plopped down on the bed with a thud, then nimbly crawled towards Ouyang Yue. He climbed onto Ouyang Yue's lap, but Ouyang Yue, with a look of disgust, simply shoved him away, and the little boy fell back onto the bed. His attempt to climb onto her lap failed, but Baili Su didn't give up. Every time he climbed up, Ouyang Yue would shove him down again. After three or four attempts, Ouyang Yue finally stopped moving. Baili Su immediately climbed on top of her, his chubby little hands tightly gripping her clothes, and said with a flattering look, "Mom, you're jealous? You really do love me the most."
Ouyang Yue glanced at Baili Su without saying a word, then chuckled and said, "Oh dear, don't be angry or jealous. Su'er loves you the most. That one sentence was just to make Dad leave sooner so I could have you all to myself."
Ouyang Yue chuckled, "Alright, you're so clever, I believe you." She hugged Baili Su and gently shook his arm, "But don't talk too much. I don't want you to be treated like a monster. You've become so fluent in just one day. Besides, he's your own father. It's not about monopolizing him. You have to be filial to him, you know?"
Pshaw, girls are so outgoing, and now you're siding with your husband? Seriously.
Baili Su almost rolled his eyes in disdain, grumbled and mumbled, but finally nodded in agreement, though he was somewhat dissatisfied. He had originally thought his mother would just find any man, and he would live with her anyway, no one could take her away. Unfortunately, he then met Baili Chen, this persistent pest, who was so good to his mother that Baili Su was moved and unknowingly came to agree. Now, he couldn't bear to disrupt their relationship and have her all to himself. Baili Su was filled with resentment; he wished he had just drunk the soup and forgotten his past life, remaining a child. But while he thought about it, he knew he would go crazy if he had to grow up as an ignorant child again. It was just a small complaint.
Baili Chen's departure from the capital caused a lot of rumors and gossip. The stories of the radiant light shining from the well in Prince Chen's mansion and the withered grass in the three palaces of the imperial palace could no longer be kept secret. Many people wondered if Prince Chen was the one who brought trouble to his elders. Otherwise, why would he leave the capital after such an incident? Wasn't it to avoid trouble? This suppressed the previous idea that Prince Chen would have a better chance of being named crown prince. However, the court was much calmer. If Baili Chen knew better than to compete, some of the forces would naturally be more at ease with him. Therefore, Prince Chen's mansion was quite peaceful, and no one came to cause trouble for the time being.
After having breakfast that day, Ouyang Yue pulled Baili Su to start learning to walk. Although Baili Su had memories of his past life, this body was still that of a child. No one taught him to walk. It was only in novels that one could walk by willpower alone. Without some effort, it would be difficult for Baili Su to learn to walk.
In the flower hall, a row of tables and chairs was placed to the side, and on the right was a large rug that stretched through the room, two or three meters wide and long. Ouyang Yue rejected the suggestion from the wet nurse and servants, took off her shoes, and personally led Baili Su forward step by step.
"Your Highness, the General's wife and the young master request an audience."