Chapter 27: Night Exploration

Words : 927 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

The next morning, Su Li got up early to freshen up. After dressing, she went to the main courtyard to have breakfast with Madam Su. Once everything was ready, the mother and daughter walked out of the manor, and the carriage was prepared. After waiting for a while, Madam Su's expression darkened. She ordered, "Go see what’s taking them so long." It was improper for a noble lady to wait for a concubine, after all. "Apologies, sister, I am late." The voice of Xia Shi was heard. Su Li turned around and saw the pair of mother and daughter dressed simply but elegantly. Su Li couldn't help but admire them as a beautiful pair of sisters. As they approached, Xia Shi apologized again, "Sister, Yue’er has not fully recovered, so we were delayed. Please do not blame us." Su Yue stepped forward and bowed. "Mother, Sister, good day." Madam Su turned and said, "Let’s get in the carriage." "Sister, may I sit with you?" Su Yue approached to take Su Li's arm but was blocked. Madam Su was about to get in the carriage when she heard this and quickly added, "Li’er and I will sit together." The scar on Su Li's face was left from when she sat in the carriage with Su Yue. She would never let the other woman out of her sight. Su Li nodded. "Yes, Mother." She helped Madam Su into the carriage. Su Yue looked at the carriage with resentment. Xia Shi whispered something in her ear, and Su Yue quickly smiled in response. The group then headed towards Huguo Temple. It took about an hour and a half to travel from the Su residence to the temple. Along the way, Su Li chatted and laughed with her mother, and the time passed quickly. "Madam, Miss, we have arrived at Huguo Temple." Su Li helped her mother down from the carriage and looked up. The temple was surrounded by lush green trees and blooming flowers. The roof was covered in golden glazed tiles, and many lifelike statues of deities adorned the eaves, each one unique and full of expression. The deep, resonating sound of the temple bell rang out, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Huguo Temple was often visited by families of officials, so the group entered without hindrance. Inside the temple, after crossing the threshold, they saw a large statue of Sakyamuni, with a few monks chanting scriptures and meditating nearby. On the wall were the words "Namo Amitabha," which looked to have been there for many years. Madam Su led everyone to light incense, and a young monk approached, bowing. "Amitabha, honored guests, are you here for meditation or incense offering?" Madam Su bowed in return and replied, "Please arrange for us. We intend to stay overnight and offer incense tomorrow morning." It was said that the temple’s first incense offering of the day was always the most blessed, so many official families would stay the night and leave after completing the first offering the next day. The young monk nodded. "Please follow me." "Your Highness King Jing? What is this about...?" Jun Mo casually walked over to the table, poured himself a cup of tea, and said gently, "Miss Su, you gave me the antidote, and I’m here to thank you." Although Su Li maintained her composure, she was inwardly speechless. He could have thanked her at any time, but why choose this moment? Su Li was certain, he hadn’t taken the antidote. "You haven’t taken the medicine," she said, not as a question but as a statement. Jun Mo raised an eyebrow, surprised. "How does Miss Su know that I haven’t taken the medicine?" Su Li looked him directly in the eyes. "That medicine was beneficial to you, and I have no ill intent. You can take it as a favor from me, given our mutual acquaintance." Jun Mo studied her for a long time, his eyes narrowing. She wasn’t wearing a veil, and the moonlight illuminated her face. One side was flawless like jade, while the other was disfigured. The stark contrast, strangely harmonious, left him momentarily mesmerized. In her eyes, he could sense a faint weariness and indulgence. Suddenly, he smiled, his features softening with warmth. "I really do need that medicine. No matter your intentions, I’ll accept your favor. If you need anything in return, as long as it’s within my ability, I’ll do it for you." Su Li was helpless. This man’s vigilance was truly high. "Do as you please," she said. She turned to dismiss him, but before she could speak, Jun Mo swiftly moved and hugged her. Su Li froze, wide-eyed. "You—" "Shh, don’t speak. There’s someone, a man." Jun Mo’s words immediately made Su Li freeze in place, unable to move. There was no way a man could be in this courtyard. In the temple, men and women’s rooms were located in completely opposite wings. As they stood close, Su Li could smell a faint cold fragrance from his body. She heard faint sounds coming from outside the door. Then, she saw the paper on the window being punctured. Su Li’s eyes widened. Mysterious scent! Her heart raced. What was happening? What about her mother in the next room? [--------------------------------------------] Enjoyed the chapter? If you want early access to +10 Advance chapters and to support the continuation of this story, consider subscribing to my Patreon. Your support means a lot and helps me bring more great content to you! Join me on /flokixy

Chapter 27: Night Exploration

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