Chapter 25: Thirty Thousand Feet of White Bones, Burying Ten Thousand Fair Faces

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Chapter 25: Three Thousand Zhang of White Bones, Burying Ten Thousand Beauties

Cold Mountain Temple lay beyond the walls of Shangjing, deep in the lonely mountains where travelers came as fate led them.

The people of Liang believed in Buddhism, though mostly for the sake of peace and safety; they were not especially devout. Thus, anyone wishing to burn incense and pray for blessings had to leave Shangjing and journey into these remote mountains.

Buddhists cultivated the heart and kept themselves apart from the smoke and turmoil of the mortal world, which was why temples were built atop lofty peaks. It allowed them to withdraw from the world, while also testing the sincerity of those who came to worship.

Was Ye Wanwan sincere in her devotion? She certainly did not think so. She had not come to seek the Buddha’s protection. She had merely heard that the Buddha saved those with whom he shared a destined connection—but had the Buddha ever saved an evil spirit?

Her actions, however, were undeniably sincere. She had left the carriage at the foot of the mountain and walked all the way to the summit, a journey that took more than an hour.

Qing Sha was drenched in sweat and nearly ready to crawl on the ground. Ye Wanwan was hardly any better. Sweat had soaked through the front of her dress, streaming down her face like rain.

The only one who remained at ease was Yan Chen. The distance was nothing to him; he walked with calm, unhurried steps. He had wanted to help Ye Wanwan, but she had refused him.

By the time she reached the summit, Ye Wanwan was so exhausted that she wanted nothing more than to collapse onto the ground and never rise again.

Yet, out of some final regard for propriety, she merely sat on a stone stool, leaning against the rock beside her.

From the mountaintop, the view stretched unobstructed in every direction. The scenery was truly magnificent. Ye Wanwan sat there weakly, her body drained of strength, almost hollowed out—but her spirits were excellent.

The imperial palace was nowhere in sight. She could not even see Shangjing. As far as the eye could reach, there were only green mountains and clear waters. It was impossibly soothing.

Just as Ye Wanwan was enjoying the scenery, a mother and daughter emerged together. The woman held her daughter’s hand and continued praying as they walked.

“My girl, once you enter the palace, you must stay alert and do your very best. You must rise above the others. The honor of our entire family rests on your shoulders.”

In an instant, Ye Wanwan’s good mood vanished.

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The girl did not look particularly willing, but neither did she resist. A trace of impatience colored her voice.

“Mother, you’ve said that countless times already. I know.”

“You…” The woman sighed helplessly, her face filled with worry.

Watching the mother and daughter disappear into the distance, Ye Wanwan’s eyes brimmed with scorn.

“Earthly wealth and glory, the summit of power—people across the realm chase after them as though possessed, never realizing that beneath three thousand zhang of white bones lie the remains of countless beautiful women.”

Yan Chen turned his gaze toward Ye Wanwan. Something seemed to flicker in his dark blue eyes.

Her good mood ruined, Ye Wanwan rose and began walking down the mountain.

Qing Sha hurried to her feet. “My lady, aren’t you going to offer incense?”

Without turning her head, Ye Wanwan replied, “Go and donate some incense money.”

“Ah? Oh!”

Qing Sha walked forward several steps before realizing what Ye Wanwan meant. She turned back as she walked, thinking that Her Highness had grown stranger and stranger. After all that effort to reach the temple, she had sat there for a while and was now leaving without even offering incense.

The descent was relatively easy, provided one walked slowly; otherwise, the knees would bear the strain.

Ye Wanwan’s steps were steady enough, but the scenery around her was so captivating that she became absorbed in it and failed to watch where she was going. Her foot struck a pebble, and she stumbled, nearly falling.

“Miss, be careful.”

A hand caught her by the arm and steadied her. The owner withdrew it at once and asked with polite courtesy, “Are you all right?”

She had merely swayed for a moment; what could possibly have happened? The person standing before her, however—

He wore white robes, and his face was as flawless as carved jade. His features were clear and striking, his bearing exceptionally handsome.

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His clothing was plain and elegant, yet made of the finest materials—plainly the attire of someone born to an extraordinary station. His manners were measured, his demeanor refined and gentle. He was the very image of a graceful young gentleman.

Those eyes and brows…

How amusing. An old acquaintance—a “former friend,” no less.

Ye Wanwan slowly lowered herself into a formal curtsy. “Thank you, my lord.”

The man cupped his hands in greeting. “It was only a small kindness. There is no need to thank me. The scenery here is beautiful indeed, but you should still watch your step and take care.”

Ye Wanwan replied, “Of course.”

“Farewell.”

They passed one another. After walking a few steps, the man paused briefly, then strode away without looking back.

Ye Wanwan remained rooted to the spot. Her fingernails dug deeply into her palms, the force making her hands tremble.

Yan Chen dropped to his knees. “This servant failed to protect Your Highness. I beg Your Highness to punish me.”

Ye Wanwan seemed not to hear him. She slowly raised a hand and touched her own face. Her skin was delicate and flawless, unmarred by that terrible scar. The realization caused every trace of vigilance in her body to loosen.

“Let’s go.”

End of Chapter