Chapter 355: Chapter 125: Meeting Guan Jingshuo Again

Zhaohua Temple boasted top-notch security; ordinary people couldn’t gain entry, let alone criminals, who couldn’t even get through the gates. Yueyao, accompanied by Qiao Lan or Hua Lei, often walked around the area nearby, and Nanny Hao did not meddle.

The weather was pleasant that day, with the sun hanging high in the sky. Yueyao saw that the scriptures had been copied, and she prepared to go to the Scripture Pavilion to exchange them for new ones.

The mountain road was difficult, and the wind on the mountain was strong, but Yueyao enjoyed climbing mountains. Her strange preference puzzled everyone.

Hua Lei was panting heavily, and seeing Yueyao’s unchanged expression, she felt frustrated, “Miss, could you please slow down, Miss. Slow down.”

Yueyao, seeing Hua Lei’s sweaty forehead, smiled and said, “I am already walking very slowly. If you don’t rush and walk slowly, you will feel better.” Even walking on mountain roads needed careful pacing; a steady pace could save a lot of energy.

Hua Lei’s face turned bright red, “Miss…” For a maid, having less stamina than her mistress was utterly shameful.

Before they even reached the mountain top, Hua Lei’s handkerchief was already wet, “Miss, let me handle these tasks in the future. Shall I go exchange the scripture scrolls?”

Yueyao shook her head, “There’s no need, you wouldn’t know which scrolls to look for. Moreover, doing it myself shows sincerity.”

In October, the mountain lacked birdsong or pleasant views, yet the tranquility and serenity of the temple offered a different kind of beauty.

Hua Lei looked out at the endless forest and said, “Miss, you say all we see belongs to Zhaohua Temple, is that true?”

Yueyao chuckled, “Of course it’s true. But to know how much exactly, we would need to check the historical records.” All the surroundings of the temple belonged to Zhaohua Temple, a rough estimate would count to several hundred acres. The fields below the mountain were also temple property, rented out and part of the yield was divvied up annually.

After borrowing scriptures from the Scripture Pavilion, Yueyao returned without lingering in the temple. However, on the way back, she encountered two people.

Guan Jingshuo never expected to run into Yueyao here, “Miss Lian, greetings.” Guan Jingshuo was unaware that Yueyao had come up the mountain to contemplate. Of course, not knowing was normal; knowing would be strange. A noble son wouldn’t typically concern himself with a lady’s activities unless it was peculiar.

Yueyao was slightly surprised too, her lips curling into a faint smile, “Heir Apparent, greetings.”

Guan Jingshuo’s young servant Heping was surprised to see his young master initiate conversation. His master was exceptionally reserved; he wouldn’t speak unless spoken to first, especially around young women, whom he would avoid. Heping couldn’t help but take another look at Yueyao, and seeing what she wore, any suspicions he had faded.

Yueyao was wearing a moon-white cotton jacket, a white six-panelled cotton skirt, her hair was pinned with a Silver Hairpin, and her ears adorned with Pearl Earrings. On her wrists, she wore Jade Bracelets. Dressed head to toe in white, she wore the attire one dons in deep mourning.

Hua Lei’s eyes were glued to Guan Jingshuo.

Guan Jingshuo wore a Purple-Gold Crown and a White Floral Brocade Robe with a deep blue Jade Belt around his waist, which held a White Jade Pendant. A white cape draped over his shoulders, the snow-white fox fur on the cape fluttered in the wind. His exquisite and stunning features, framed by a faint smile, made him irresistibly approachable.

Heping whispered, “Heir Apparent, Madam is waiting at the main hall.” This was also an excuse the Heir Apparent made to escape the tedium of social interactions with the noblewomen.

Yueyao stepped aside, “Heir Apparent, please.”

Though Guan Jingshuo’s face was slightly red, he still responded very politely, “Thank you, Miss.” Guan Jingshuo, handsome since his youth, was often the favorite of young ladies, which saw him taken advantage of many times because he didn’t like other women getting close. However, he felt a warmth towards Yueyao, so he did not resist.

Yueyao nodded with a smile.

Guan Jingshuo walked past Yueyao, then after a couple of steps, he suddenly turned and called out, “Miss, please wait.” He remembered

Heping, Guan Jingshuo’s young servant, widened his eyes. It was always the young women who initiated chats with their young master, but now their master was approaching a lady. Although Heping was always vigilant, his master’s initiative was a different matter.

Yueyao turned with a smile, “Heir Apparent, what is it?” She was also curious as to why Guan Jingshuo had stopped her, guessing that Guan Jingshuo probably didn’t know about their families’ past relations.

Guan Jingshuo bowed to Yueyao, “Miss, I recall the last time you looked at me, your eyes held a deep expression of regret. I believe I didn’t see it wrong, may I ask, Miss, what do you regret for me?” He hadn’t intended to ask, but the memory had been recurring unexpectedly. Over the years, he had seen many expressions of love, surprise, envy, and jealousy, but never had anyone looked at him with regret. That feeling was distinctly uncomfortable.