"You recognize me?
No, I should be... recognizing you?"
Although Lin Qingge asked the last sentence, her tone was very certain.
She finally understood why Yan Tinghao's mother had been so flustered when facing Murong Bai back then, even calling Murong Bai 'Brother Bai'.
Good heavens!
It turns out that father and son truly shared the same face!
Even with the shaved head adorned with Buddhist scars and the rough hemp clothing, it couldn't hide his exceptionally handsome appearance.
Moreover, with the tempering of years, the man exuded a restrained composure, refined by life's experiences, and a detached tranquility akin to a carefree wanderer, qualities completely incomparable to the money-grubbing and foul-mouthed Murong Bai.
Tsk, such a handsome, ascetic monk.
If Yan Tinghao's mother saw him, wouldn't she pounce on him immediately?
However, if she remembered correctly, wasn't Murong Bai's father already dead?
Although she didn't know the reason for his death, it was precisely because Murong Bai's father had passed away that he, alone, left the capital and traveled far away.
Yet, Murong Bai's father was alive and well right before her, which was truly odd.
Could it be that this person before her wasn't Murong Bai's father, but his long-lost brother?
That would make his brother a bit too old...
While Lin Qingge was internally ranting, the man who had been staring at her for a long time spoke gently,
"There are no traces of skin grafting or bone reshaping, yet your appearance is identical. Could you be a relative of my benefactor?"
"Benefactor?"
Lin Qingge had only recently arrived in the capital and was certain this was her first time meeting the person before her. Thus, the person before her must have known her elder brother, Lin Jingxing.
But what did 'no traces of skin grafting or bone reshaping' mean?
Could this be discerned by the naked eye alone?
Furthermore, she had been impersonating her brother Lin Jingxing for so long that even Lin Jingxing's mentor, Xu Changling, hadn't noticed anything amiss. How had this person discovered it?
Catching the fleeting vigilance in Lin Qingge's eyes, the man smiled kindly and introduced himself,
"My surname is Bai, my given name is Yichen, and my Dharma name is Xuankong.
If you don't mind, you can call me 'Master Xuankong.'
Although I'm not interested in chanting scriptures or praying to Buddha, and am a fake monk living in seclusion here.
As for how I could tell you were different from the benefactor who saved me.
It's because I was originally a doctor. I've examined and felt the bones of so many people that over time, I can discern the subtle differences.
But you don't need to worry, I won't reveal your secret.
Although, no one ever comes here anyway."
"Um, Master Xuankong, aren't you already..."
Lin Qingge carefully chose her words. Bai Yichen, who understood her meaning, chuckled dismissively,
"I faked my death before, but I don't know at what point I made a mistake, and the other party discovered it, sending assassins to pursue me.
When I fled to the vicinity of Mount Shoushou outside the capital, I met my benefactor who was on his way to the capital to study.
My benefactor took my outer robe and disguised himself as if he had fallen down a cliff while fleeing, then hid me in this Bodhi Temple, telling me to stay here peacefully.
And so I stayed here for several years.
During this time, apart from Abbot Master Xuanjing occasionally bringing me some daily necessities, I haven't seen anyone else.
I grow vegetables and raise chickens and ducks for a living, living a self-sufficient and peaceful life."
"Then didn't you ask someone to inform Murong Bai, also known as Bai Hexuan, of your survival?"
Hearing Lin Qingge's words, Bai Yichen shook his head,
"Too many people want my life, so the fewer people who know I'm alive, the better.
Besides, Xuan'er is a strong child. Even without me by his side, he would live well."
"Tsk, that guy really isn't one to mistreat himself."
Lin Qingge said with a pout. Bai Yichen smiled, "It seems you not only know Xuan'er, but you also have a very good relationship with him."
"Not really 'good,' it's purely a financial relationship, ah, no, an employment relationship.
By the way, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Lin Jingxing, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, and Murong Bai, or Bai Hexuan, works as a coroner under me."
"You are Lin Jingxing, then the benefactor...?"
Lin Qingge shook her head, a hint of sadness filling her eyes.
Bai Yichen, understanding, couldn't help but chant a Buddhist phrase,
"Amitabha, I will light an everlasting lamp for my benefactor later, praying for their soul's peace in the afterlife.
Since the benefactor is no longer here, how is that child doing?"
"Child?"
"About four or five years ago, my benefactor brought a child swaddled in blankets.
I don't know who could be so cruel as to drown a newborn child.
Although discovered in time and luckily saved, because the fluid in the lungs was not completely expelled, the child developed a persistent high fever.
The child's condition was indeed quite critical at the time, as it was showing signs of developing into consumption. Therefore, even for me, it was quite troublesome to treat.
Fortunately, the child's will to survive was extremely strong. With the aid of medicinal herbs, moxibustion, and acupuncture, the child finally turned from peril to safety."
Hearing this for the first time, Lin Qingge's brows furrowed tightly, "Master Xuankong, did he mention where the child came from?"
"At first, I thought the child was my benefactor's, so I was a bit angry. If they didn't want it, why did they carry it for ten months and give birth?
My benefactor said the child was not hers, but merely entrusted to her.
Additionally, there was... another person who came with my benefactor."
At this point, Bai Yichen paused slightly, "Although that person was diligent in taking care of the child, they didn't seem to be the child's relative."
After drinking the water Bai Yichen offered and seeing that it was getting late, Lin Qingge got up to take her leave.
Before leaving, she couldn't help but ask,
"Master Xuankong, shall I relay the news of your survival to him?"
Bai Yichen thought for a moment, "Now, it should be alright.
Please convey to him that I am doing well here and that he need not come to visit me specially."
Lin Qingge nodded slightly, cupped her hands, and bid farewell.
However, after leaving the small courtyard, she didn't turn back but continued along the winding path towards the pavilion on the mountain.
The pavilion where the Empress Dowager had lived for many years was unguarded, but a figure in a deep purple robe was leaning lazily against the door.
As if anticipating Lin Qingge's arrival, the person fanned themselves and greeted Lin Qingge with a smile,
"Yo, sir, what a coincidence~"
Lin Qingge rolled her eyes ungraciously upon hearing this, "Coincidence my foot!
You deliberately led this official to this Putuo Temple, just to have me meet that Bai Yichen?"