The following morning, sunlight had already spread across the palace courtyard. However, the atmosphere inside the main assembly hall was far from ordinary. Elder Yunshen was seated in his usual place, while Xiangu stood quietly to his right. Rongwei leaned against the wall, wearing the same faint smile he always seemed to have on his face, as though he were already anticipating some kind of amusement.
Just then, the doors opened, and Zhichen stepped inside. He bowed respectfully to everyone present before quietly taking his place. A few moments later, Lixuan entered as well. His gaze swept across the room, but the moment he noticed Rongwei's familiar smile, an uneasy feeling crept into his heart. He's definitely planning something again... Without saying anything, Lixuan bowed and stood a little distance away from Zhichen.
Yunshen slowly began to speak. "Who went into the restricted section of the Royal Library yesterday?" The entire hall fell silent. Meanwhile, Rongwei's smile gradually widened. Lixuan glanced at Zhichen for a brief moment, but before he could say anything, Zhichen answered without the slightest hesitation, "Both of us."
Rongwei's eyes widened immediately. "Really? I thought..." He paused deliberately, his smile growing even more mischievous. "I thought I was the only one who broke the rules." Lixuan shot him a sharp glare. "Say one more word..." His voice grew colder. "...and I'll bury you right outside the library."
Rongwei burst into loud laughter. "See, Elder? They've been caught breaking the rules, and he's taking his anger out on me!" Xiangu cleared his throat softly. "Rongwei. Calm down a little." "Yes..." Rongwei straightened at once, although the mischievous smile on his lips still refused to disappear.
Yunshen continued in a calm voice, "The elderly librarian saw both of you leaving the library. But that wasn't even your greatest mistake. The real mistake was that you went all the way into the restricted section." Lixuan spoke quietly, "I wasn't aware of that rule." Yunshen nodded. "I know. But Zhichen was."
Zhichen didn't offer any excuses. "Yes. I deliberately broke the rule." Hearing this, Rongwei muttered under his breath, "The Prince is really in trouble today..." Lixuan heard him immediately. "Rongwei. Can't you stay quiet?" Rongwei quickly joined his hands together. "All right. I won't say another word."
Only two moments passed before he spoke again, this time in a much quieter voice. "...But can I ask something?" Lixuan closed his eyes in exasperation. "Don't." Rongwei ignored him. "What were you two doing in the library for so long?" Lixuan's face turned red in an instant. "That has nothing to do with you."
Rongwei turned directly towards Zhichen. "Your Highness... why don't you tell us?" Zhichen answered with complete seriousness, "We were looking through some ancient texts." Rongwei remained silent for a few moments before bursting into laughter again. "That's all? I was thinking of something else entirely!"
Lixuan immediately grabbed a small wooden scroll holder lying nearby. "Rongwei!" Rongwei laughed and quickly hid behind Xiangu. "Master! Save me!" Xiangu pressed a hand against his forehead. "Both of you, that's enough." For the first time, a faint ripple of laughter spread through the hall. Even Yunshen's face softened into the slightest smile for a brief moment, but the next instant, his expression returned to its usual seriousness.
"Your punishment will still be carried out." The hall fell silent once more. Yunshen spoke slowly, making sure that both of them understood his words. "Starting today, for the next three days, the two of you will guard the Ancient Divine Temple located on the Eastern Mountain. You will be there alone. No servants. No disciples. This is your punishment."
Rongwei immediately muttered under his breath, "Now they'll really have to spend two days together... no, three days." Lixuan gave him such a sharp look that Rongwei instantly pressed his lips together. However, that mischievous smile on his face remained impossible to hide.
As soon as the assembly ended, everyone began leaving the hall one after another. Lixuan was also making his way out without saying a word when a familiar voice called out from behind him. "Xiu!" Without even turning around, Lixuan replied, "What is it?"
Rongwei hurried over to him, wearing that same old, mischievous smile. "By the way... I thought the Elder would give you both a much harsher punishment." Lixuan narrowed his eyes. "And?" Rongwei glanced towards Zhichen and smiled. "But this seems less like a punishment..." He paused, enjoying the moment. "...and more like a reward."
Lixuan looked at him, clearly confused. "A reward?" Rongwei chuckled. "Three days. An ancient temple. Just you..." He glanced at Zhichen again. "...and the Prince. What a beautiful coincidence." The moment Lixuan heard that, his expression hardened. "Have you lost your mind?" Rongwei laughed. "Oh? Then why are you getting so angry? I'm only stating the truth."
Lixuan picked up a thin bamboo stick lying nearby. "Rongwei. Take one more step towards me..." He raised the stick slightly. "...and I'll welcome you with this." Rongwei immediately took two steps backwards. "Hey, hey! There's no need for violence!"
Just then, Li Chen and Xiangu arrived as well. Li Chen looked at them in surprise. "What happened?" Rongwei answered immediately, "Nothing. Your Guruji is feeling shy." Lixuan shot him such a dangerous look that Rongwei quickly hid behind Xiangu again. "Master! Look at him! He's going to beat me!"
Xiangu let out a deep sigh. "Rongwei. When are you going to grow up?" Rongwei put on an innocent expression. "I've always been grown-up." Without changing his expression, Xiangu replied, "Only in height." Li Chen couldn't hold back her laughter after hearing that. Rongwei dramatically clutched his chest. "Master... you've broken my heart."
Even Lixuan couldn't help the faint smile that appeared on his lips. Zhichen had been watching everything quietly. After a moment, he spoke, "We should leave." Lixuan nodded. "All right." Just as the two of them were about to move forward, Yunshen's voice rang out once again.
"Zhichen."
Both of them stopped. Yunshen slowly approached and handed Zhichen a small, old metal seal. "This is the key to the Eastern Divine Temple. No one has visited that place for many years. Make sure you respect the temple's traditions and sanctity." Zhichen accepted the seal with both hands and bowed his head. "Yes, Father."
Yunshen glanced at Lixuan for a moment before speaking in a calm voice. "And Xiu..." He paused briefly. "Whatever you see there... do not believe everything immediately." Lixuan's brows drew together slightly. "What do you mean by that?" But Yunshen offered no explanation. He simply turned around and slowly walked away.
Lixuan watched him for a few moments. For some reason, Yunshen's final words kept echoing in his mind. Do not believe everything immediately... He had absolutely no idea that the Eastern Divine Temple held more than just a punishment for him. Something else was waiting there—an unknown mystery connected to his own past.
After Yunshen left, silence settled over the courtyard for a while. Rongwei and Xiangu also departed to attend to their respective duties. Soon, only Zhichen and Lixuan remained there. Lixuan took a deep breath before suddenly turning towards Zhichen.
"This is all your fault."
Zhichen looked at him calmly. "My fault?" "Yes," Lixuan answered without hesitation. "If you hadn't taken me into that restricted section..." He paused, his irritation growing. "...I wouldn't have been punished today either."
Zhichen remained silent for a few moments before replying in an even voice, "I didn't force you to come with me. You chose to follow me yourself." Lixuan immediately retorted, "Then what was I supposed to do? Let you sneak in while I stood outside waiting for you?"
Zhichen answered directly, "Yes." Lixuan fell silent for a moment. "..." Then he frowned. "You think I'm that much of a coward?" "No," Zhichen replied with the same calmness. "I thought you were sensible."
Lixuan's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" Zhichen continued without changing his expression. "A sensible person doesn't enter a restricted section." Lixuan crossed his arms angrily. "Oh, really? So now the entire fault is mine?" "I didn't say that." "You don't have to say it..." Lixuan shot back. "...that's exactly what you mean."
Zhichen let out a quiet breath. "Sometimes... you reach a conclusion before you've even heard the entire explanation." Lixuan stepped directly in front of him. "Are you saying this is my fault?" Looking into his eyes, Zhichen answered calmly, "The fault..." He paused for a moment. "Was ours."
For a brief moment, Lixuan fell silent. He clearly hadn't expected that answer. Zhichen continued, "I knew about the rule. You didn't. And yet, you still came with me. That's why both of us received the punishment."
Lixuan slowly turned his gaze away. "...Even so. I still think..." He hesitated before finishing, "...a little more of the blame belongs to you." A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Zhichen's lips. "All right. I'll accept that this time."
Lixuan looked at him in surprise. "You agreed that easily?" Zhichen answered directly, "Otherwise, you would spend the next half hour arguing about the same thing." A brief silence followed. Then Lixuan narrowed his eyes. "...What exactly do you mean by that?"
Zhichen simply walked ahead without saying anything. Lixuan followed behind him, muttering under his breath, "One day... I'll break that calm of yours too." Without looking back, Zhichen replied, "I'll look forward to that day." Hearing those words, Lixuan couldn't quite decide whether he should feel even more irritated... or smile.
Lixuan returned to his chambers and fastened his sword around his waist. He placed a few essential items for the journey inside a small travel pouch. Just then, a gentle knock came from the door.
"Guruji?"
He recognized Li Chen's voice. "Come in." Li Chen slowly entered the room, carrying a small cloth bundle in her hands. "Guruji... this is some dried food. It might come in handy along the way."
A faint smile appeared on Lixuan's face. "Did you make this?" Li Chen nodded gently. "Yes. I prepared it last night." Lixuan accepted the bundle from her. "Thank you."
Just then, Rongwei walked into the room without knocking. "Well, well... looks like preparations are underway here." Lixuan turned towards him immediately. "When are you going to learn to knock before entering?" Rongwei shrugged. "The day you stop getting angry."
Li Chen smiled faintly. Rongwei glanced around the room before asking, "Is the Prince ready?" Lixuan replied in a cold voice, "How would I know? Go and ask him yourself." A familiar mischievous glint returned to Rongwei's eyes. "By the way... you two will be alone together for three days. I wonder..." He deliberately paused. "...whether you'll return with fewer arguments between you."
Lixuan frowned. "What do you mean?" Rongwei burst into laughter. "I mean, when I look at the two of you..." He grinned. "...you look exactly like a married couple. Arguing over everything. Giving each other sarcastic replies at every opportunity. And then, a little while later, walking around together again."
For two whole moments, the room fell completely silent. Lixuan's face gradually turned red. "What nonsense are you talking about?" Rongwei tried to hold back his laughter. "Am I wrong? I've been watching you both since morning. One keeps arguing..." He continued, "And the other listens quietly. Just like—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Lixuan grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it straight at him. Rongwei quickly dodged to one side. "Have you lost your mind?!" he exclaimed. "Hey! I was only joking!"
Li Chen couldn't hold back her laughter. Rongwei dramatically complained, "See? My life is in danger now!" Lixuan pointed a finger at him. "Say one more word..." His expression turned threatening. "...and you'll have to come with me to the Eastern Mountain as well."
Rongwei immediately raised both hands. "All right. I'm quiet." He paused for a moment before adding, "...But that doesn't mean I was wrong." "Master!" he quickly exclaimed. "All right, all right! I'm leaving!"
With that, Rongwei ran out of the room, laughing. Lixuan let out a deep breath. "One day... he'll be the reason I end up dead." Li Chen spoke softly, "Guruji... he was only joking." Lixuan gave her a small smile. "I know. But sometimes his jokes go a little too far."
A little later, at the main gates of the Shenmei Kingdom, Zhichen was already waiting. His sword was fastened around his waist, and he carried a small travel pouch in his hand. A few moments later, Lixuan arrived as well.
The moment he saw Zhichen, he asked, "How do you always manage to get ready so quickly?" Zhichen replied calmly, "And how do you always manage to be late?" Lixuan frowned. "I'm not late. You're the one who arrived too early."
A faint smile appeared on Zhichen's lips. "Perhaps." Lixuan was just about to say something when Rongwei's voice came from behind them.
"Well... there they go again."
Both of them turned towards him at the same time. Rongwei couldn't stop himself from laughing. "Honestly, when I look at you two..." He grinned. "...it feels as though a husband and wife are arguing before setting out on a journey."
"Master!"
Lixuan immediately took a step towards him. Rongwei burst into laughter and stepped backwards. "Hey, it was a joke! Stay back!" Xiangu watched the entire scene from a distance and slowly shook his head. "This journey..." he murmured. "It seems it might prove more dangerous for Rongwei than the Eastern Divine Temple itself."
Xiangu slowly approached the two of them. "The road is long. Don't stop unnecessarily along the way. The forest of the Eastern Mountain appears peaceful during the day..." He paused briefly. "...but not at night."
Zhichen replied calmly, "Yes." Lixuan nodded as well. Just then, Li Chen stepped forward. She adjusted the same cloth bundle in Lixuan's hand, making sure he was holding it securely.
"Guruji... please keep it safe."
Lixuan smiled. "This is the third time you've told me that." Li Chen replied softly, "I'm still going to say it." Lixuan could only smile faintly at her words.
Just then, Rongwei approached them. This time, he was holding a small earthen jar in his hand. He extended it towards Lixuan. Lixuan looked at it in surprise. "What's this?"
"An herbal ointment," Rongwei answered. "For applying to injuries." Lixuan raised an eyebrow. "How do you already know we'll get hurt?" Rongwei shrugged. "Because it's you. It's a journey. You'll argue, you'll fall, or you'll end up getting into some kind of trouble. So I thought I'd give it to you beforehand."
Lixuan glared at him. "Are you worried about me..." He paused. "...or are you placing a curse on me?" Rongwei burst into laughter. "There's not much difference between the two."
Zhichen glanced at the little jar. "Thank you." Rongwei smiled. "The Prince has already thanked me. Now Xiu should do the same." Lixuan accepted the jar. "All right. Thank you."
Rongwei widened his eyes dramatically. "Well, well! What a miracle! Xiu actually thanked me without arguing!" Lixuan immediately took a step towards him. "Rongwei." Rongwei stepped back. "All right, all right. I won't say anything else."
Xiangu slowly shook his head. "Now, the two of you should finally get going." Lixuan looked at everyone once before turning towards Zhichen. "Shall we go?" Zhichen simply replied, "Hmm."
The two of them walked out through the palace's main gates. Rongwei, Xiangu, and Li Chen watched them from behind for a while. Once the two figures had disappeared from sight, Rongwei smiled faintly and said, "I'm absolutely certain... that after three days, they'll either return as good friends..." He paused, his smile widening. "...or they'll be arguing even more than before."
Xiangu looked at him. "Why do you turn everything into a joke?" Rongwei gave a slight shrug. "Because if I stop laughing..." His voice softened a little. "...living becomes very difficult."
Xiangu watched him for a few moments. Then, without saying anything, he turned and headed back towards the palace.
Meanwhile, Lixuan and Zhichen were making their way towards the Eastern Mountain. For a while, only silence passed between them. Eventually, Lixuan was the one who broke it.
"Are you really going to stay silent for the entire journey?"
Zhichen replied calmly, "I'm talking."
Lixuan looked at him in surprise. "When?" "Right now." Lixuan remained silent for two moments before bursting into laughter. "All right... I suppose I'll manage to make you say two or three more words over the next three days."
A very faint smile appeared on Zhichen's lips. "You can try." And the two continued towards the Eastern Mountain.
The road leading towards the Eastern Mountain gradually became more and more deserted. The branches of the dense trees stretched overhead, almost covering the sky completely. The two walked for some time without saying anything. Eventually, Lixuan couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Ask."
"Why do you always speak so little?"
Zhichen answered directly, "There's no need to say more."
Lixuan suppressed a laugh. "I think..." He glanced at Zhichen. "...the number of words you speak in an entire day is about the same as the number Rongwei speaks in a single breath."
A faint smile appeared on Zhichen's lips. "That's not entirely wrong." Lixuan immediately turned towards him. "Oh? You actually agreed with me?" He looked almost surprised. "Why? Usually, all you ever say is 'Hmm' to everything."
Zhichen replied calmly, "Not to everything."
Lixuan was about to say something more when a strong gust of wind suddenly swept through the forest. The trees began swaying violently. Lixuan looked up at the sky. "Looks like it's going to rain."
The moment he said that, the first raindrop landed on his cheek. He wiped it away with his finger. "And there it begins."
Within moments, the raindrops grew heavier. Zhichen glanced around before pointing towards something in the distance. "Over there."
A little farther away stood an old stone pavilion. The two hurried towards it. By the time they reached the pavilion, the heavy rain had already blurred the entire forest. Looking outside, Lixuan remarked, "Looks like we'll have to stay here for a while."
"Hmm."
Lixuan laughed. "Sometimes I wonder..." He turned towards Zhichen. "...how many different meanings your 'hmm' could possibly have."
Zhichen looked at him calmly. "Would you like to count them?"
Lixuan fell silent for a moment before laughing. "No. I don't have that much time either."
A strong gust of wind swept into the pavilion. Lixuan removed his damp outer robe and placed it on a nearby stone so that it could dry a little. Because the sleeve of his clothing was wet, the old red thread tied around his wrist became visible.
Zhichen's gaze unknowingly settled on it.
"Do you always wear that?"
Lixuan glanced down at his wrist. "Hmm?" Then he smiled. "It's a keepsake from my childhood. That's why I never take it off."
Zhichen continued looking at it for a few moments. "It seems..." he said quietly, "...that it's very important to you."
Lixuan's expression softened for a brief moment. "Yes. Very."
Silence settled between them once again. The only sound was that of raindrops striking the stone around them.
Just then, another powerful gust of wind swept through the pavilion. The damp robe Lixuan had placed on the stone began to fly away.
"Look!"
Lixuan immediately reached for it. But at that very moment, Zhichen also extended his hand to catch it. Both of their hands landed on the robe at the same time, and without meaning to, their fingers brushed against each other.
For a brief moment, both of them froze.
Lixuan immediately pulled his hand back. "...I caught it first."
Zhichen answered directly, "No. We both caught it at the same time."
Lixuan looked at him. For two moments, neither of them looked away from the other's eyes. Then Lixuan gave a slight cough and turned his gaze aside.
Fine..." he muttered. "Let's call it half and half this time."
A very faint smile appeared on Zhichen's lips. "That's an acceptable compromise."
Lixuan thought to himself, This man... somehow, he looks the strangest whenever he smiles.
Without saying anything further, he turned towards the rain outside.
The rain gradually began to subside. Droplets still fell from the leaves of the trees, but the downpour had finally stopped. The two set off towards the Eastern Mountain once again. The road was wet, and when Lixuan noticed the mud clinging to his shoes, he couldn't help making a displeased face.
"See? I was punished because of you..." He glanced down at his muddy shoes. "...and now look at the state I'm in."
Zhichen replied calmly, "Are you still thinking about that?"
"Yes. I don't forgive people that easily."
Zhichen was just about to say something when an elderly woman appeared on the path ahead. She was carrying a basket of medicinal herbs on her head. As she walked, her foot suddenly slipped, causing the basket to fall to the ground. All the herbs scattered across the path.
Lixuan immediately hurried towards her. "Madam, please be careful."
Zhichen also bent down without saying a word and began gathering the herbs. Within a short while, the two of them had collected everything and placed it back into the basket.
The elderly woman smiled at them. "May the heavens bless you both with happiness."
Lixuan smiled in return. "There's no need to thank us for something like this."
The woman looked at both of them carefully. Then her smile grew even wider.
"By the way... the two of you work very well together."
Lixuan looked at her in surprise. "Work well together?"
Yes. One of you bent down without saying a word..." She glanced between them. "...and the other immediately did the same. It seems..." Her smile deepened. "...that you understand each other quite well."
Hearing this, Lixuan became slightly flustered. "N-no... it's nothing like that."
The woman laughed softly. "Oh? Then why do you keep looking at him so often?"
The moment she said that, Lixuan went completely silent. He immediately glanced towards Zhichen before quickly looking away again.
"Me...? When was I looking at him?"
The woman smiled. "I'm getting old, child... but my eyes haven't grown weak just yet."
Lixuan's face gradually turned red. "I was just..." He struggled to find an explanation. "...making sure he was following behind me."
The woman gave a playful nod. "Hmm... if that's what you say, then I'll believe you."
Zhichen had remained silent throughout the entire exchange. Lixuan slowly nudged him with his elbow.
"Are you going to say something or not?"
Zhichen answered directly, "What should I say?"
Lixuan glared at him. "You could have helped me out at least once..."
The elderly woman chuckled softly. "All right. I should be going now."
She took two steps forward, but then suddenly stopped. Without turning around, she spoke quietly.
"You're going to the Eastern Divine Temple, aren't you?"
Both of them froze in surprise.
Lixuan asked in astonishment, "How do you know?"
This time, the woman didn't turn around. She simply replied in a quiet voice, "People who travel to that place... often pass through this very path."
She paused for a moment before continuing.
"But very few people..." Her voice grew quieter. "...return the way they were..." Another brief pause followed. "...when they first left."
With those words, she slowly disappeared among the trees.
Lixuan's expression turned serious. He quietly murmured, "...That was rather strange."
Zhichen's gaze remained fixed on the direction in which the elderly woman had disappeared. After a few moments, he spoke softly.
"Let's go."
The two resumed their journey towards the Eastern Divine Temple. But for some reason, the elderly woman's final words kept echoing in Lixuan's mind.
Very few people... return the way they were... when they first left.