newbobooks Chapter 254 Burial
Chapter 254 Burial
Chapter 254 Burial
Five miles northwest of the capital, there is a temple called Nanbao Temple. In the past, Nanbao Temple was a place where people worshiped the heavens and prayed for blessings. However, due to the change of dynasties and the ravages of several wars, Nanbao Temple gradually declined into a dilapidated temple, leaving behind many ghost stories related to this place, which made people afraid to approach. As time went by, it became more and more desolate.
Behind Nanbao Temple, there is a Lone Goose Pagoda. At the foot of the pagoda, there is a high ground that extends outward. Standing on it, you can see the northwest city wall of the capital and the architectural features of the city. It is a good place to visit, but unfortunately, because the place is quite desolate, not many people are willing to come here on weekdays.
However, today, this tranquility was broken by several figures.
A small grave mound had quietly appeared beneath the Lonely Goose Pagoda, with a wooden tombstone bearing the inscription "Tomb of Beloved Wife Xue Ling." Red candles and incense sticks were placed on either side, and a pale-faced, thin man dressed in mourning clothes knelt there, his head bowed as he slowly burned paper money.
"The soul understands the past dreams, the red candle drips tears but cannot dispel the hatred..." Wang Shusheng recited a poem in a hoarse voice, his eyes empty and devoid of any emotion other than grief.
"Ling'er, I hate myself so much. If I had never had the thought of going to the capital, you wouldn't have come with me. If you hadn't come with me, none of this would have happened. You could still be by my side, grinding ink for me, sharing the wind, frost, snow, and rain with me. We would have many children, watching them grow up carefree. I promise you, I will only have you as my woman in this life, and we will definitely become an enviable couple..."
Wang Shusheng slightly raised his head, looked at the city visible in the distance, gave an extremely awkward smile, and said:
"Ling'er, look up at this place. You said you like the capital, that it's lively and has many novel and interesting things, so I found this place for you, so you can see the city anytime. This used to be a very popular temple, and I believe that with Buddha's protection, it will surely shelter you from all the storms of life. Ling'er, do you like the place I chose for you?"
Xue Ling was dead and naturally couldn't answer his question. But somehow, after he asked those words, a gentle breeze suddenly swept through the area, making the surrounding trees rustle, as if Xue Ling were answering.
Wang Shusheng's expression shifted slightly as he looked at the leaves swaying in the wind, and hot tears welled up in his eyes and streamed down his face.
"Ling'er, is that you? I know you must have been reluctant to leave me..."
Ye Pianran and Ye Lingyue watched from afar beneath the Lonely Goose Pagoda, overhearing Wang Shusheng's murmurs. Although they knew it had nothing to do with them, Wang Shusheng's sorrow seemed tangible, deeply affecting the two of them.
Seeing Wang Shusheng's heartbroken appearance, Ye Pianran suddenly missed Chunyu Yang.
She wanted to hold his hand and never let go, to wipe his weapons, to put his armor on him, and to watch him live well in this world for all eternity.
"The word 'love' is the most hurtful. No one wants to see such a thing happen. Miss, please don't be too sad," Ye Lingyue comforted her from behind.
“I know,” Ye Pianran sighed. “I just feel that in this life, among millions of people, it is not easy to meet someone with whom you share a deep connection. If you do meet such a person, you should cherish them.”
Ye Lingyue said, "What you say is true, Miss."
After the red candles and incense in front of the tomb had burned out completely and the wind-blown trees had come to a standstill, Wang Shusheng stood up from the ground, turned around and walked gracefully toward Ye Pianran.
"Thank you so much, young lady, for finding Ling'er for me and for catching the villain who killed her. I can never repay your kindness in this life. If there is an afterlife, I will be your servant to repay you."
After saying that, he cupped his hands and bowed deeply to Ye Pianran.
Ye Pianran quickly braced herself against his elbow and said:
“Young master, there’s no need for that. Now that I’ve encountered this matter, I can’t just sit idly by. Don’t talk about repaying me by being my servant anymore. If there is an afterlife, I only hope that you and your wife can continue your relationship and grow old together.”
“…Thank you, young lady.” Wang Shusheng thanked her again, then paused and said, “Young lady, I would like to talk to Ling’er a little longer. If there is nothing else, you don’t need to wait here any longer. I will return to Wangjiang Tower on my own after everything is settled.”
After listening to Wang Shusheng's words, Ye Pianran closed the mission interface of the space system, her brows still tightly furrowed.
Xue Ling has been buried, and Wang Shusheng has expressed his gratitude to her, but why is the mission still not complete? Did she miss some step?
But since Scholar Wang had already said that, there was no need for her to stay, otherwise it would arouse suspicion. She should wait until Scholar Wang returned to Wangjiang Tower before visiting him again.
Left with no other choice, Ye Pianran could only say, "Then we'll head back to the city first. Please take care, young master."
Wang Shusheng bowed again, and Ye Pianran could only sigh softly as she turned and left with Ye Lingyue.
Nanbao Temple and the Lonely Goose Pagoda gradually faded into the distance behind her. The wind fluttered Ye Pianran's sleeves, the light gauze billowing and brushing away the dust from her body, but it could not dispel the gloom that shrouded her heart.
Ye Lingyue walked with ease, feeling pleased with herself for resolving this important matter. She casually remarked, "Miss, Yue'er feels that you are becoming more and more like one of us Jianghu people."
"Why do you say that?" Ye Pianran asked.
Ye Lingyue said, "To help those in need, to avenge wrongs, and to settle scores—this is the true nature of those in the martial world."
Ye Pianran laughed: "According to you, wouldn't I be free from being the young lady of the Marquis's mansion and just go and fight chivalrous deeds with you?"
Ye Lingyue chuckled and said, "If Miss is willing, let's set off now."
"Never mind, I still have things I can't let go of in this capital city." Ye Pianran smiled.
Ye Lingyue's eyes darted around: "You can't let go of the Third Prince, can you? Yue'er understands, Yue'er understands everything."
"You brat!" Ye Pianran turned around and gently pinched her arm, causing two red blushes to rise on her cheeks. "You're already laughing at me now, but sooner or later you'll be troubled by love yourself."
Ye Lingyue paused, put her hands behind her back, and stammered, "I'm afraid that day will never come for Yue'er."
"Why?" Seeing her hesitant appearance, Ye Pianran suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "You don't mean you already have someone you like..."
Inside the space, 666 suddenly spoke up: "Host! Go back quickly! That scholar Wang has climbed the tower and is trying to commit suicide!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Pianran's expression changed drastically, and she immediately turned around and rushed back the way she came.
"Miss, what's wrong?" Ye Lingyue sensed something was wrong and quickly caught up to ask.
Ye Pianran didn't have time to answer, she just rushed forward. At this moment, the benefits of her training with Chunyu Yang on the mountain became apparent, her running speed was almost on par with Ye Lingyue, who was practicing martial arts.
Before they could even reach the tower, a figure fell from the top like a kite with a broken string!