Chapter Twenty-Three

Miyojin had been to numerous temples in the past. The most splendid temple that he had seen so far was the one inside the Imperial Palace. This is the first time he has been to a mountain temple.

Xia Yu was right when she said that the temple was less guarded. The guard only talked to the carriage driver. After a very short conversation, they were let in easily.

“I can’t believe they didn’t even inspect the inside of the carriage,” Huiquing said in a surprised whisper.

“Yes, that is because Shuyuan Temple welcomes everyone, even foreigners. However, the other side of the mountain is heavily guarded. We’ll figure out a way to get past it at a later date.” Xia Yu explained.

Before anyone could utter a word, the carriage went to a full stop. The driver announced that they had reached the temple’s main entrance. Xia Yu picked up her veiled coolie hat and strapped it on. The other two in the carriage also followed suit. When they were ready, Xia Yu was the first to step out.

Soon Miyojin also stepped out. The light almost blinded him despite wearing a veiled coolie hat. Once his eyes had adjusted, he looked at the temple and its surroundings.

Shuyuan Temple may not have the splendor of the Imperial Temple. But it has a very unique beauty to it. Instead of gold, the temple seems to shine in bright wood color. Instead of colorful gems, the temple was surrounded by many flowers in different hues. The surrounding greenery only made the temple stand out as the focal point of the painting.

There were very few people in the temple. Most of them were monks and nuns walking around, speaking to the worshipers, or cleaning. Xia Yu scanned the place looking for that person. It didn’t take long, for she had immediately spotted her. The person was speaking to an old woman along with a younger lady. Xia Yu waited for them to finish before she drew closer to the person.

Miyojin immediately noticed Xia Yu moving. He followed her train of sight and saw she was heading towards a nun who just finished speaking to two women. He hurriedly followed her.

After the women left, the nun saw a veiled woman approaching her. Not far from the woman is another veiled person who seemed to be hurried in his steps. It is a trend for women worshippers to wear veils when they go to the temple.

What the nun found a bit unusual was the person behind the woman. Men don’t usually wear veils. But then the woman moved the veil curtain to reveal her face.

“Oh my! Are my eyes deceiving me?”

Xia Yu gave her an amused smile. Then, she said…

“For the record, I’m not a ghost nor a spirit of the departed. It’s really me. I’m alive, Ani.”

The nun burst into tears as she pulled Xia Yu into a tight embrace. She continued to chant praises of gratitude to the heavens above. Xia Yu also embraced the nun as she soothed her back. Miyojin and Huiqing had both reached Xia Yu and the nun. Both have curious looks, wondering who that nun is that seems to have a close relationship with Xia Yu.

Eventually, Xia Yu and the nun pulled away from each other. As if she could read their thoughts, Xia Yu turned to the oblivious two.

“This is Ani Ning Ying of the Xia family, my second Aunt.” She introduced the nun.

Only then, did Miyojin realize who the nun was. He suddenly remembered the events of the past. When Xia Yu’s first aunt died, the marriage edict could not be passed to her younger sister. That was because she had already devoted her life to a temple. So, this is where Xia Yu’s second aunt was situated.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ani Ning Ying. Lady Xia Yu, I didn’t know you had an auntie who is a nun.” Huiqing greeted the nun with glee and surprise.

“Ani, this is Huiqing. She is the daughter of the merchant I have business endeavors with.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well, young child.” Ani Ning Ying greeted Huiqing with a bow.

Then, Ani Ning Ying turned to Miyojin. As if on cue, Xia Yu began with the introductions.

“Ani, this is my husband, the Second Prince, Miyojin.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Ani Ning Ying.” Miyojin greeted his aunt-in-law with a bow.

“Oh! Your Highness, you honor me too much. It is my pleasure to meet His Highness. I’m delighted to see you are alive and well along with my niece.”

Ani Ning Ying bowed before the prince. Tears began to well up in her eyes because of joy. She was very happy that the royal couple were no longer missing corpses on the sea bed.

“Oh? I should lead you to the guest room now. Then, I’ll send a letter to your father that-“

“Wait, Ani!” Xia Yu interrupted. “You can’t let anyone know we are alive yet.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“We still don’t know who was behind the assassination. They could be alerted if news of our survival spread.”

Ani Ning Ying understood what Xia Yu meant. She guided the three new visitors towards the temple quarters. There they had tea and recounted what had happened in the past month.

“That was very tragic. But the heavens were still very merciful to guide you back here.” Ani Ning Ying said as Xia Yu finished recounting what had happened.

“But still, we need to inform your parents. They are still aimlessly searching for you at the sea. Even your uncle, General Cheng, had left the borders to join in the search.”

Her aunt’s revelation stung Xia Yu from within. She began to feel even more worried about them. Sensing what Xia Yu was feeling, Miyojin decided to speak up.

“Why not send them a secret message?”

All eyes turned to Miyojin as he made the suggestion.

“That is a great idea, Your Highness!” Huiqing commented with glee. However, Xia Yu’s face was still etched in worry.

“That is not a bad suggestion… However, the guards at the border below the mountain are very strict. Everything is thoroughly inspected. Even letters are read by an official before they pass through the gate.”

What Xia Yu said made sense. It was hard for them to make a move especially since the mastermind of the assassination is still unknown. This person could be anybody. It would be very troubling if the person happens to be someone close by with enough power and influence in the capital.

“I can send the message. I’ll tell my brother in person.” Ani Ning Ying suggested.

“That is a good idea, Ani. You can make it look like you only came down for a much-needed visit to the Xia’s.” Miyojin commented.

“Yes. That is true.” Xia Yu said, sounding convinced by the idea.

“I can also tell them to not arouse suspicion. I am certain they can take action without alerting anyone.” Ani Ning Ying added.

“Speaking of which… Ani, do you have news of what happened in the Imperial Palace?” Huiqing asked.

Miyojin turned his attention to the nun. He wanted to ask this too if Huiqing had not done it first.

“Ah… you must have already known about the convicted Third Prince.” Ani Ning Ying began.

“Based on what I have heard among the worshippers, there seem to be mixed opinions on the Third Prince’s involvement in the assassination. The Xia’s think that it wasn’t him. However, all the evidence gathered is pointing to him. It was a really stressful situation. Even the emperor fell ill because of it.”

“What??? Father is sick!” Miyojin said, slightly interrupting the nun.

“Yes. This was only mentioned to me by General Cheng in his letters. Apparently, His Majesty could not take that two of his sons were dead while the other one was in prison. He collapsed on the day the Third Prince was sent to prison. He had already woken up but has not left his room since.”

This news brought in a wave of melancholy to the three.

“Then, who is handling state affairs while His Majesty is sick?” Huiqing asked.

“As I heard, the Fourth Prince is acting as the regent for the time being.”

“The Fourth Prince?” Xia Yu uttered, trying to remember whether she knew him.

“It’s Prince Zemin.” Miyojin reminded her.

Xia Yu immediately remembered the enthusiastic young man who had nothing but praise for her. She also remembered what Zhujin told her about him.

“Does the Fourth Prince even know how to handle state affairs?” Xia Yu asked Miyojin.

“I am not certain but he has been working under the Minister of Foreign Affairs for a few years now. But he started his political career working for the Minister of Justice.” Miyojin explained.

Xia Yu murmured in acknowledgment. She looked like she was pondering what Miyojin said. Then, she turned to her aunt.

“How is the Fourth Prince faring as the regent so far, Ani?”

“Well… I’m not certain. But since no further chaos had erupted in the palace since he took the position, I think he is faring well.”

“Why are you asking all of these questions about the Fourth Prince?” Miyojin asked slightly curious about Xia Yu’s behavior.

“No big reason. I’m only wondering how he is handling all of these.”

She seemed like she had more to say. However, she held her tongue and dismissed her other thoughts. Instead, she shifted the topic.

“So, then it is settled. Ani will go down to the capital and inform my parents of our survival in secret. We will remain here until Ani gets back. Once we can coordinate with my family, we can plan how we can get into the capital unnoticed. Does anyone have any more questions?”

Everyone was silent so Xia Yu took this as a sign that they all agreed to their current plan.

It has been three days since Xia Yu and Miyojin arrived at Shuyuan Temple. Two days ago, as planned, Ani Ning Ying left for the capital. By Xia Yu’s estimation, she knew her aunt had already entered the capital. Within the day, she will be able to deliver the message to his family. If her aunt stayed for two days at the Xia mansion, it meant they would have at least five days before they heard any news.

There are a lot of things in Xia Yu’s mind. And all of those thoughts were stressing her out. For that reason, she decided to do a sword practice in the small yard near the room she and the prince share.

Sword-fighting isn’t just a method she uses to defend herself. She also uses her martial arts skills as a form of mental relaxation. She focuses her mind and all her senses on wielding her sword. This makes her stressful thoughts hide at the back of her mind.

Sword-fighting also requires her to focus on her surroundings. That is why she was able to immediately notice a certain onlooker. She immediately recognized the person who was watching her sword practice. She let the person be as she continued with what she was doing.

However, a thought came to her mind which made her stop. She turned in the direction of the person and said.

“Your Highness, come out here.”