Chapter 7: How Can the World Grant Both Peace and Bliss (7)

Chapter 7: How Can the World Grant Both Peace and Bliss (7)

A surge of immense passion welled up within Qian'er's heart. If Zhen Shan had instructed it to crash into a wall at that moment, it would have done so without hesitation.

"Indeed, Your Highness is right. In the future, if you have any requests, just command Qian'er, and I will surely protect and assist you diligently."

"A fine servant I have in you, Qian'er," Zhen Shan replied with a pleased smile, her eyebrows curling up slightly as she lavished praise upon him.

The Thumb Boy, with his flushed cheeks, covered his face, overwhelmed by the Empress's compliment. Her beauty was breathtaking!

"Well done. You've been working hard lately. Return to your sea of consciousness and rest for now."

"Alright, Your Highness. Call for Qian'er if you need anything."

"Mm."

After the Thumb Boy vanished, Zhen Shan's delicate brows arched slightly, a hint of cunning sparkling in her beautiful eyes.

...

The following morning, Zhen Shan rose early, while Que'er was still asleep.

The Empress chose a light-colored, buttoned jacket dress, paired with a sheer veil. Her lustrous black hair was simply held in place by a single jade hairpin.

The soft hues were delicate, enchanting, and heart-rending.

From her attire to her makeup, her demeanor, and her aura, every time, she would present herself in different colors to captivate her targets, leaving them mesmerized like savoring a century-old vintage, longing for more, unable to resist.

They could only immerse themselves in the gentle haven she wove, losing themselves entirely.

Gently, Zhen Shan opened the temple door and stepped out silently.

On an autumnal dawn, a cool breeze whispered through the air.

Wuchen carried a bamboo basket, heading towards the rear mountain gate.

As he passed by the lotus pond in the backyard, his eyes fell upon a simple, slender figure. He paused in his steps.

The withered lotus leaves accentuated her delicate fragility to the extreme. Despite being in the bloom of youth, she seemed to have had her vitality drained, much like these wilted lotus leaves scattered across the pond.

A cool breeze billowed her thin garments, making her slender figure seem precariously fragile.

Suddenly, she took a small step forward, ready to leap into the lotus pond, bidding farewell to her mortal years.

"Wuchen exclaims, 'Don't do it!'"

Startled, Wuchen dashed forward, seizing the delicate wrist of the woman, fearing that this nun might attempt something reckless.

Zhen Shan stumbled, letting out a startled cry as she fell into an aromatic embrace.

For the first time, Wuchen, a monk with a pure heart and few desires, found himself so close to another person, especially a female devotee. His expression froze momentarily, but it was only a brief discomfort, devoid of any impure thoughts.

After Zhen Shan regained her balance, Wuchen released his grip, stepped back, and clasped his hands together, "Amitabha, I apologize for my transgression, Venerable Zhen Shan."

The Empress glanced at the crystal heart on the Scroll of Divine Ascension, which remained unresponsive, then at the serene, otherworldly young monk before her. A faint crease formed between her brows.

If not for the Empress's anticipation, she would have been severely shaken by this encounter.

In life and death, whoever she had set her sights upon, be it a mere embrace or just a glimpse, would have lost their composure in her presence.

To remain so composed in her presence, this little monk was definitely the first.

The Empress's heart chuckled with a gentle and alluring smile. Little monk, well done!

On her delicate and exquisite face, a faint blush of embarrassment fleetingly passed by, followed by a natural, light smile. She asked, slightly surprised, "Why is Master Wuchen here?"

"Wuchen was about to gather some medicinal herbs in the back mountain," Wuchen paused, then spoke with a calm and compassionate tone, "Donor Zhen, life is hard-won, cherish it."

Zhen Shan seemed taken aback for a moment before she covered her lips with a smile, erasing three parts of the sickly hue from her brows. Her eyes sparkled with vivacity as she said, "Does Master Wuchen think that this little woman is contemplating suicide?"

Seeing the female donor's charming smile, Wuchen indeed didn't believe she was going to harm herself. He replied, filled with regret, "It was a misunderstanding on my part."