Chapter 60: Falling into Water

The three of them walked towards an old tree with red ribbons tied to its branches. By the tree, some monks had set up stands to tell fortunes and give blessings.

Revenge was the only goal Jun Huang kept in mind. Matters of the heart did not interest her. She went to the old monk on the fringe of the line of stands and put her hands together as a show of respect. She closed her eyes. The breeze sent her black hair flying and it tangled with the catkins in the air.

The monk returned the gesture and asked Jun Huang to take a seat. “Is the gentleman praying for someone?”

“Yes,” Jun Huang said calmly. “My younger brother and a friend.” She was thinking about her long lost brother and Qi Yun.

The monk nodded. He took out two talismans for safety and handed them to Jun Huang. They were triangle in shape and bright red in color. “Here. These can ensure a lifetime of safety and peace.”

Jun Huang took the talismans and put some silvers into the donation box next to the stand. She stood up and left. Nan Jihan jogged up to her and asked curiously, “The gentleman has a brother? Why haven’t I heard about it?”

Jun Huang would rather not talk about Jun Hao. Losing him was the nightmare that tortured her every day. She lowered her eyes and continued onwards without a word.

Nan Xun hadn’t gone with Jun Huang. Instead, he went to another monk, who was telling fortunes in love. The monk considered him with narrowed eyes before asking, “What does the gentleman seek?”

“Love, naturally.”

“Love is just within the gentleman’s reach. Why do you come seeking it?” The monk gave him a friendly smile. “Finding the right person may seem like an impossible dream, but they’re right by your side.”

Nan Xun frowned. A wind brought up the red ribbons on the tree, drawing his attention.

He looked down and saw Jun Huang under the tree. Behind her was Nan Jihan, who had not stopped talking.

Nan Jihan noticed the plaque on the table Nan Xun was at. His eyes lit up as he came up to the stand. He nudged Nan Xun aside and smiled at the monk. “May the abbot tell me my fortune in love?”

The monk closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes again, there was no emotions within them. He put his hands together and said, “The person the almsgiver is trying to win over isn’t meant for you. The right one will appear naturally one day. Love cannot be forced.”

It was ominous to say the least. Even Nan Jihan himself didn’t understand what the monk was talking about, let alone other people. He pouted, muttering, “I don’t care if it’s the right one or not. What matters is if I like them.”

Nan Xun and Jun Huang didn’t hear him, but the monk did. He shook his head and chanted, “Amituofo

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. May Buddha preserve us.”

Jun Huang snorted and shook her head.The lunchbox was knocked off to the ground and the snacks inside fell out. Under the moonlight, they were not unlike jades falling from the sky.

Wei Lanying didn’t expect Qi Chen to be so heartless. He cast aside the fruit of her labor for a mere honored guest! She stared at the snacks with unfocused eyes. What could she possibly do?

After a long pause, her eyes flicked to Qi Chen and she croaked, “So this is how Your Highness treats Ying’er’s love.”

Qi Chen had always been cold. He used to show decorum and respect for Wei Lanying, but now things had changed. He was the crown prince. He was meant to be superior. How was it possible for him to care about Wei Lanying’s feelings? She was only a concubine to him. She wasn’t worthy his attention.

His silence riled her up further. She seized the collars of Qi Chen’s robe in her hands and sobbed. Anyone else would have taken pity on her. “Have you forgotten how you became the crown prince, Qi Chen? If not for me, you would only be one of the many royal princes, and you wouldn’t be noticed…”

The words were insulting. Qi Chen pushed Wei Lanying away forcefully. She lost her balance and fell into the pond, making a huge splash.

Jun Huang didn’t expect things to get this ugly. Nan Guyue was surprised as well. She didn’t know what to do.

The pond was shallow, but Wei Lanying didn’t realize it. She had never fallen into the pond before. She struggled to get up, but she couldn’t. She choked on the water as she called out for help.

Jun Huang couldn’t stand on the sideline anymore. She went to help Wei Lanying get to her feet, but Wei Lanying refused to take her hand.

After a good while. Wei Lanying finally stood up. Her vibrant dress was soaked. It stuck to her body and made her look a little plump. Her dark hair was an unkempt mess.

She clenched her teeth and got up by holding onto the stone pillar by the pond. She threw Jun Huang a venomous glare and purposefully knocked into Jun Huang as she walked away. Jun Huang staggered and barely kept her balance.