Visit to the temple

At the Lotus Courtyard...

As Princess Jingxi entered the waiting room, She saw Consort Wang Xin waiting for her.

Although she was not so young now, she had maintained herself quite well and looked pretty good for her age.

"Greetings First Princess." Consort Wang bowed to her.

"Please get up and have a seat. What brings you here at this time Consort Wang?", Princess Jingxi asked sitting opposite her.

"You are away in the army camp all day, it's the only time I could find to meet you." Consort Wang said pouring the tea and handing the cup to her.

Princess Jingxi took the cup swirling the tea around but didn't take a sip, She looked at her.

Consort Wang smiled awkwardly and asked, "Tomorrow is late Empress's death anniversary. Are you going to the temple as always?"

Princess Jingxi nodded putting the cup down.

"Can you take Luo with you? She has been wanting to visit the late Empress and pray with you. She won't disturb you, it's okay if it's not convenient for you." Consort Wang said.

"Not a problem, you can tell Third Princess to come." Princess replied looking out at the lake.

"I'll be taking my leave then." Consort Wang bowed and left.

Ji Ran entered the room and handed a wet towel to Princess Jingxi.

"What did she want?" She asked.

Princess Jingxi cleaned her hands and handed the towel back to her, standing up," To send along a few ears and eyes."

Princess Jingxi looked at the table and said,

"Ji Ran, throw away everything she touched."

"Right away, your highness."

...

The Next Morning...

"Is everything ready?" Princess Jingxi asked Ji Ran.

"Yes, there are two maids and few guards as you instructed, not too much to attract attention." Ji Ran reported.

"But.. "She hesitated.

"What is it?" Princess looked at her.

"I heard Third Princess is taking quite a few people with her." Ji Ran said.

She shook her head, "Let her be."

...

Out of the Palace..

"Why isn't she here yet?" The Third Princess, Xia Yuluo asked her maid.

"She is coming, your highness. Are we taking the same carriage as First Princess?" the maid, Lu min asked.

"Who wants to sit beside her, looking at her hideous face. It will effect my beauty." Xia Yuluo said touching her face.

Just then, the Princess Jingxi came out with Ji Ran following behind.

"Why are so many people here?" Princess Jingxi asked.

"Greetings, First Sister, these are a few servants following me. It's a three day trip after all, I hope sister won't mind it." Third Princess said to her.

"Do as you wish." Princess Jingxi voiced.

The carriage bearing stopped in front of them and the guard opened the curtain for them to enter.

"Let's move." Princess Jingxi said.

"You can go on first, Sister. We'll take second carriage so we won't disturb you." Third Princess said.

Princess Jingxi ignored her and went into the carriage followed by Ji Ran and the carriage moved forward.

"What is she so arrogant about?" Princess Yuluo huffed.

"Our Carriage is here your highness, let's go." Her maid reported.

Inside the first carriage,

"Tell someone to keep an eye on the people Yuluo has brought along with her." Princess Jingxi said relaxing herself.

"I've already arranged for that, your highness." Ji Ran said to her.

"You are becoming more and more capable, Ji Ran. I'm impressed." Princess Jingxi said looking at her.

"I'm just learning form you." Ji Ran said blushing.

"Look at you all red." Princess Jingxi laughed.

The Carriage stopped as it took a turn.

"I'll see what's going on." Ji Ran said as she exited.

A few moments later, the curtain was lifted again and a young handsome man entered the carriage followed by Ji Ran.

"Your Highness, Second master Yue is here." Ji Ran said to Princess Jingxi who was resting with her eyes closed.

Xia Jingxi opened her eyes immediately and looked at the man in front of her as the carriage resumed moving.

This man was named Yue Jun, second son of Marquis Yue. Her mother, Yue Shi was the daughter of Marquis mansion, making Marquis Yue her uncle and Yue Jun her cousin.

"What? Are you that shocked to see your big brother?" Yue Jun said to her.

Princess Jingxi smiled at him and said, "I didn't expect to see Brother Jun today. When did you come back from the south?"

"Just yesterday evening. I knew you would be visting to pray for Aunt today, so I decided to come along." He told her.

"How are Grandfather and Uncle doing?"

"They are doing good. Would be better if you visit them more. Mother, Lin and Chen also miss you."

"I'll visit them in a few days." She said.

"I got this for you." He said handing a small porcelain bottle to her.

"What is it?"

"I knew you wouldn't fancy jade or ornaments so I brought something that will be useful to you. It's a miracle ointment for wounds and any kind of poison, made by an old master, only three or four of same kind are available in whole world. I got hold of two, one for you and one for me."

"I'll surely treasure it then. Thank you brother." She said to him smiling.

"Take a rest, it's a long way."

The carriage left the city gate and moving through the mountain path, they reached the temple at noon.

"We are here." reported the carriage driver stopping.

"A lot has changed since I last came here." Yue Jun expressed helping Xia Jingxi out of the carriage.

"Ever since Empress Dowager decide to stay here for practicing buddhism. Father has paid a special attention to the temple." Princess Jingxi answered.

"Let's go inside." She said to him.

"Wait for me First sister." Came Xia Yuluo's voice from behind as she approached them.

"Second Master Yue is here too."

"Greetings to Third Princess. I didn't expect you to come here." he said greeting her.

"Why does it surprise you? Can't I come to pray at the temple." She retorted.

"Of course you can. My apologies." He replied.

...----------------...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***