Wunian took out a plaque and handed it over. "Once you enter the city, follow the main road north, and you'll see a very, very large house. If you're not sure, look for a very, very tall building."
"How tall?"
"Very tall. It's the tallest building in the city, and its roof is golden, shining in the sun."
Did it really shine? That sounded so unreliable.
"Since he's your friend, why don't you go see him together?"
Facing the two pairs of eyes as brilliant as gemstones, Wunian's long-calm heart stirred. This was his only lingering attachment to the mortal world.
Master said that cultivating the mind wasn't about abandoning past connections or severing love and affection. As long as one didn't harbor greed, and held warmth in their heart, that was true vastness and great love.
"Good children, go. He'll be very happy to see you. He doesn't take good care of himself, so you must urge him to eat properly." Kuai Shu Ge
Xiao Bei Shang: Is he a fool? Who doesn't eat properly?
The two little ones took the token and, as they exited the hall, saw the old monk who had lectured yesterday standing there with a smile.
"Do the two young friends have any news of your uncle?"
How did he know?
Xiao Bei Yue stared at him suspiciously, "You're not that Wuji, are you?"
"This old monk is Kong Ji."
"Then Kong Ji it is. My uncle said to run when you see him, and that you're a human trafficker."
Xiao Bei Yue grabbed Xiao Bei Shang and ran.
Following the main road north, they walked and walked until their little legs were about to break. Finally, they saw the shining building.
It really did shine!
Then this person must be very rich, right? And their home must have lots of delicious food!
Wow, there were guards too, looking so imposing.
Yu Liu and Yu Shan dealt with the ruffians trailing the children. Further ahead, they saw the two little ones heading towards the palace gates. They thought the children were just curious and would return when they couldn't get in.
To their surprise, the two children simply walked in.
"What should we do? Should we go in?"
They had been away from the palace for so long, who knew the current situation inside? What if something went wrong?
"In!"
As soon as the two arrived at the palace gate, they saw Duorui rushing out. Upon seeing Yu Liu, his eyes were filled with excitement.
"Miss Yu Liu, were those who just went in... were they...?" The children of the Goddess and the General?
"Duorui, quickly bring them out."
"Miss Yu Liu, don't worry. I will protect the little prince and princess well."
To their surprise, Duorui turned and ran inside, loudly ordering the palace gates to be closed quickly and guarded well, not allowing a single fly to enter.
Yu Liu felt utterly exasperated.
Bei Yue and Bei Shang's legs were too tired to walk. They climbed onto a stone lion to rest.
"Who built this house? They must have been so idle. It's so big, and there's not a single person. Wouldn't anyone living here be lonely!"
"Xiao Bei Yue, I'm hungry. Shall we go out? Let's find Uncle."
Little did they know, Duorui had already stealthily dismissed teams of guards.
The two had walked from the city gate all the way here, and they had no strength left. The sun had turned their faces red, and their little faces were listless. Even the usually steady Bei Yue was now only thinking of braised pig trotters and roasted meat.
"Brother, why do I see two suns?"
"It's not two suns, it's two deer! Wow! They're so majestic!"
Xiao Bei Yue jumped off the stone lion and went to pull Xiao Bei Shang, who was still lying there limply.
"Hurry, there's meat up there too!"
They saw two strong, well-fed male deer pulling an empty carriage with a canopy, walking steadily along the palace road. On it was a small table laden with fruits, roasted goose, and large pork knuckles.
It was like wishing for shrimp skins when you wanted seafood; it was absolutely delightful!
The two excitedly got into the deer carriage and began to feast. After eating their fill and gnawing on apples, the deer carriage had stopped in front of a magnificent palace hall.
Still no people in sight.
"Sister, I've really broadened my horizons this time. When we go back, I'll definitely tell our bumpkin father and shock him."
"Yes, and they dared to chase us away. Wow, is that a dragon? When we leave, let's take it down and give it to Third Uncle."
Duorui, who had been secretly following them: "..."
Fu Lu and the eunuchs hiding in the corner: "..."
They had entered the hall, finally entered the hall.
Fu Lu's tears flowed freely.
On the imperial desk in the hall, Emperor Mingde, hearing the cat-like footsteps, trembled so much that his hand holding the brush could barely write.
For so many years, he had only seen them in portraits, never touched them in person!
"This lamp is nice, better than the ones at home. Let's take it when we leave."
"This jade belt also has a dragon on it? Give it to Third Uncle."
"What is this thing? It's smoking, and it smells good, but it's hot. Let's not take it."
"This bowl is transparent. Let's take it back for Mother."
"This one is for Father, to open his eyes..."
"This one for Liu Aunt... Shan Aunt... Qing Aunt..."
There were so many people they missed.
They finally saw Emperor Mingde on the central desk.
After staring with wide eyes for a long time, "My goodness, why aren't you making a sound! You startled us."
They thought he was a mannequin! He was too good-looking, could a man look like this? Noble and imposing, with quite a presence.
"Xiao Bei Yue, Xiao Bei Shang." The handsome man spoke and walked towards them.
What, he knew them again?
Were they that famous?
"Sister, he looks a bit familiar?"
"He looks like Mother's portrait that Qing Aunt used to show us!"
The two little heads bumped together as they whispered, clever and mischievous, loving each other dearly.
Just like he and his younger sister were when they were little.
Soon, Fu Lu, who was waiting outside the hall, heard the Emperor's joyful laughter.
How long had it been since the Emperor last laughed?
Even when he laughed, it was a cold laugh, a mocking laugh, or even a cruel laugh.
The Emperor was finally happy.
Fu Lu directed everyone to start moving things into the hall, food and toys, dish after dish, bringing out almost everything rare from the national treasury.
"Aren't there many people accompanying you? How can you still be lonely?" Xiao Bei Yue began to doubt again, "You and Master Wunian aren't tricking children, are you?"
Especially children who looked like celestial beings; they were easily targeted by thieves.
Father had warned them many times: the martial world was dangerous, and people's hearts were unfathomable.
Many bad people wore benevolent faces.
Even though this uncle, like Master Wunian, was very approachable, they couldn't let down their guard. He still had his sister to protect!
"If they aren't people in your heart, then even more people are useless! You'll understand when you grow up." Emperor Mingde stroked Bei Yue's little head, his heart filled with affection.
So smart and wise.
The talent of a ruler.
It was a pity that his younger sister would certainly not agree.
Xiao Bei Shang's eyes were dazzled. She looked up from a pair of sparkling treasures and sighed, "I wish you were my father."
Emperor Mingde choked: I cannot be your father.
Then, he also frowned, "Your father, does he not treat you well?"