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  Chapter 32

  Ming Xuan returned to the Zen room and had a simple meal, then accompanied Old Lady Zhu for a short rest. She quietly told Yan Nian Nian, "I feel a bit suffocated in my chest, Id like to take a walk in the back mountain. If Grandmother wakes up first, please attend to her first, I wont be long."

  She didnt tell where she was going, but clearly said it was to the back mountain.

  The meeting with Qian San should have been kept secret, even from her grandmother. However, the sudden and mysterious appearance of Han Xiu in Jinglian Hall, along with his thunderous methods, still left her reeling. She didnt dare to leave any room for error. If she were to encounter something in the back mountain that would inform Yanshi about her general whereabouts, at least there would be a direction for search and rescue. Its always better to have a way out, even if it means being overly cautious.

  Yans mother thought for a moment and said, "The back mountain does not receive external guests, it is indeed quiet. If the young lady feels bored, let Xue Su and Dan Hong accompany you out for a walk, but dont go further in, as it has been neglected for years and often has falling rocks, which might be dangerous."

  She often came and went here, and was very familiar with the situation in the backyard of Qingliang Temple.

  Ming Xuan nodded, "Ill listen to Nanny."

  Actually, she had already explored the terrain of Qingliang Mountain before last night, and there was a pharmacy on the back mountain, said to be where Master Lai, who was good at medicine, made medicine. However, making medicine requires timing and weather conditions, and now its still late winter, so fresh herbs cant be picked, and that pharmacy is rarely visited by people. The giant pine tree where she agreed to meet Qian San was not far from the pharmacy, and it wasnt a particularly dangerous place.

  Ke Yans aunt was full of good intentions, and she was also very grateful in her heart. She smiled brightly, pulled the gray fox fur cloak tightly around her, and took Xue Su and Dan Hong out of the yard.

  The mountain path was shaded, and the further they walked, the colder and more desolate it became. Ming Xuan saw a middle-aged man in a light gray robe standing under a giant pine tree from afar. He was thinly dressed, with his arms crossed over his chest, pacing back and forth in the bleak wind, as if trying to warm himself up, yet seemingly troubled by some great concern.

  She thought to herself, this must be Qian San.

  As expected, Qian San saw Ming Xuan and hurriedly came forward, bowing his head to greet her, "Miss, you called me here, is there something youd like to instruct me on?"

  Although he was Gu Yuanjings uncle-in-law and had already shed his slave status, he still remained humble and courteous. Even if he was trembling with fear just a moment before, he didnt waver when he bowed down. The fervent joy in his tone suggested that he might have already guessed the purpose of Ming Xuan summoning him.

  Ming Xuan hastily said, "Third Master Qian, youre too polite. Youre our elder, theres no need to be so courteous in the future."

  A decent family, the relatives of concubines have nothing to do with the master, even if they are biological siblings. The children born by concubines cannot be called "uncle" at all. Gu Yuanjing used to call Qian San only "Qian Shu", but now Ming Xuan looks up to him and calls him "Qian San Ye", and also adds two words of respect, which is already very polite.

  Qian Sans face flashed with a look of surprise and delight, thinking to himself that Seventh Miss was being so generous because of Fourth Masters matter.

  Gu Yuanjings birth mother, Jiang Shi, was originally just a maid in Gu Changpings study who could recognize a few characters and had grown up by his side since childhood. She often had some charming and elegant manners, but Gu Changping deeply loved Lu Shi and believed that they were a match made in heaven. Although he also treated Jiang Shi with kindness, he never exceeded the proper boundaries. Later, when Lu Shi gave birth to Ming Rong and injured her body, the imperial physician feared that she might not be able to give birth again. In order to continue the family line, Lu Shi took charge and had Gu Changping take in Jiang Shi as a concubine. After Jiang Shi gave birth to a boy, Lu Shi promoted her to the position of secondary wife and also showed favor to Qian San.

  Jiangs life was short, and she gave birth to a child for only two years before passing away. Lu Shi had no children of her own, so she raised Gu Yuanjing by her side as if he were her own son, teaching him with great care. The mother-son relationship between them was very close. She was originally kind-hearted and generous, not preventing the old servants from Jiangs side from causing trouble, and even promoted Qian San to be in charge of external affairs. In this way, she naturally dispelled the rumors that Lu Shi had kept her stepchild away from his mother. Yuanjing grew up to be a filial son who loved his sister and became a kind-hearted and honest man.

  Lus family had always wanted to register Yuan Jing under their name, but due to Gu Changpings persistence, they had been hoping for a legitimate male heir to inherit the household. Later, after seeking medical treatment and getting Ming Xuan, he became even more reluctant to give up this idea. Until Ming Xuan grew up, Lus family still had no news of having another child, only then did he relax his grip, planning to register Yuan Jing as a legitimate child after his beloved daughter got married, who would have thought that later it would turn out like that...

  Ming Xuan saw his expression and immediately knew that he was clear-minded, so she didnt say much nonsense to him. She went straight to the point, "Money San Ye, although you are not in Hou Fu, Im sure you also know a thing or two about whats going on. Now that Im already engaged, it wont be long before I get married. Im all alone and have only one brother who can think of me, but unfortunately, he doesnt even know where he is right now..."

  She paused slightly, sighed and continued, "The mansion hasnt sent anyone to the Western Frontier in the past two years. Recently, its been a busy autumn season, and Madame Hou is so busy that she cant even touch the ground. I thought it would be better not to mention it and bother the elders. If you have some free time recently, could you please go to the Western Frontier for me?"

  Qian Sans heart was stirred, for the past two years he had always wanted to go and bring back Gu Yuanjing, who was his reliance for wealth and glory in this life. If Yuanjing were safe and sound in the mansion, he would not have spent the past two years in such a sorry state. Alas, searching for someone required a huge sum of money, and he didnt have much silver on hand, not even enough to cover the expenses of going to Xizang, let alone finding someone. But since Seventh Miss had spoken up and asked him, she wouldnt let him go empty-handed.

  He hastily said, "Its all empty, its all empty. To be honest with you, Miss, I dont have much to do in the shop either, just going through the motions and waiting for death. If I were to quit my job, the boss would probably burst out laughing. If you miss Fourth Master, then Ill have no choice but to make a trip to the Western Frontier for you. If we can bring him back, thats even better; if not, at least well know hes safe and sound, and we can plan for the future."

  Ming Xuan nodded slightly, seeing Qian Sans urgent appearance, and was indeed sincere towards Gu Yu Jing.

  She said, "In that case, theres no need for me to say more. First, Ill resign from the shop and make up some excuse about wanting to return home. Make it seem like something is wrong, but dont let anyone see through it. For the next few days, just stay at home and get everything ready. Then, when I send someone over to meet with you..."

  Qian San nodded hastily, "Alright."

  Ming Xuan took the package from Xue Sus hand and handed it over, "Qian San Ye, these gold bars are easy to exchange, take them first. When my people finish their business, they will give you the silver tickets and the seal for withdrawing money that I have stored in the money house. You dont need to worry about the expenses on this trip or the cost of searching for me."

  She paused, "Just dont use this silver in Shengjing for now. Once we leave the city, lets find a sturdy horse carriage, hire some reliable people, and buy more dry rations and clothes for traveling. I hope to find my fourth brother soon, if theres any news about him, please send me a message promptly!"

  Qian San didnt hesitate, taking the heavy bundle of cloth and slinging it over his shoulder. He said solemnly, "Miss, please rest assured, Qian San will not disappoint you."

  He thought for a moment, then added, "In the past two years, I have been thinking that even if the Western Border War is getting more intense, as the Fourth Masters identity, General Zhenxi would not possibly use him as a vanguard soldier and let him lead the charge. Not to mention that the Yongning Marquis manor has not fallen yet, even if it did, the current emperors edict only ordered people to escort the Fourth Master to the Western Border, but there was no other edict. The heavenly will is unpredictable, General Zhenxi would not take any rash actions."

  So, Gu Yuanjing was probably still safe and sound, but for some reason he lost contact with the Hou Mansion, and the Hou Mansion thought he was gone, and later had other ideas, so they didnt send anyone to look for him again.

  Ming Xuan also thought so, didnt he?

  She nodded, "Then Ill entrust Fourth Brother to Master Qian San."

  Qian San bowed again and hurried down the mountain after taking his leave.

  Ming Xuan held a heart full of longing, but ultimately could only face the empty mountains and let out a long sigh. She whispered softly, "I hope everything goes smoothly."

  She turned back, and on her way to the pharmacy, she suddenly ran into a middle-aged monk. The man was six feet tall, with a strong and fierce physique, his face rough and dark from exposure to wind and rain. She hastily stepped aside and paid homage to him in Buddhist ritual, but although the monk also stopped to pay respects, his expression seemed somewhat sinister. He appeared worried as he turned back to glance at her, and seeing Ming Xuans curiosity, he quickly lowered his head and hurried on his way.

  Ming Xuans eyes were sharp, and she caught a glimpse of black hair hidden under the apricot-yellow monks hat. She thought of Chi Taos words and her eyebrows furrowed. The Buddhist temple had strict rules, if one hadnt shaved off the three thousand troublesome hairs, they couldnt wear such an apricot-yellow monks robe. Even laypeople who wanted to take refuge in Buddhism had different clothing. It seemed that the middle-aged monk from earlier was a fake. But it was unknown whether he was the same person Chi Tao mentioned...

  She looked up at the pharmacy, because the fake monk was clearly coming from there. The wooden door of the pharmacy was not closed tightly, but only slightly ajar. For a moment, she couldnt tell if there was anyone inside. If no one was there, it would be fine. But if someone was there, wouldnt that person also be a fake monk? A disguise in broad daylight must be because they were going to do something that couldnt be seen by others. Was the person she just met a bad guy after all?

  Thinking of this, Ming Xuans heart was filled with fear. She didnt dare to imagine what would happen if there were still people hiding in the thatched cottage. She and Xue Su and Dan Hong were just weak women, and they absolutely couldnt afford to have an accident on this mountain. So she quickly lowered her head, hastened her footsteps, and wanted to get away from this place as soon as possible.

  At this moment, the wooden door of the pharmacy creaked open.

  Ming Xuans heart skipped a beat, but she involuntarily turned her head to see a young man dressed in a coarse linen robe with a pale blue color, carefully supporting a man wearing a dark green brocade robe as he emerged from the hut. The man in the brocade robe was tall and slender, extremely handsome, but unfortunately had thick wooden boards bound to his legs, looking like he had suffered a severe leg injury. He leaned on the young servant with one hand and supported himself with a wooden crutch with the other, struggling to take slow steps.

  Suddenly, he seemed to have noticed Ming Xuans gaze, and slowly raised his head. His eyes were dark and profound, like an unfathomable pool of water, or a sea surface with rolling waves and unpredictable changes. You couldnt see through what he was thinking, but you could be completely drawn into them.

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