Chapter 29: Seeking a Master

“Space spirit, space spirit…” Summer Qingfeng called out again, but there was still no response.

She walked back to Cang Qiyuan’s bedside, finding that, as usual, he showed no signs of waking.

Returning to their little office, Summer Qingfeng sighed and grabbed two boxes of milk and two bags of bread. “I know you’re not in the mood to eat breakfast, so we’ll just make do. I’ll tell you about the Crown Prince’s situation, since the original owner knew a bit about it.”

Xu Xiaoxiao, unusually clingy today, sat beside her mother, holding onto her arm and leaning into her side.

Summer Qingfeng sighed and continued, “As for this Crown Prince, he’s a legend in the Kingdom of Dayu! It’s said that when he was born, a celestial omen appeared, making the emperor overjoyed. The emperor personally named him ‘Ling Xiaoyu.’ Moreover, his father, the Fourth Prince, was the son of the emperor’s second empress, a legitimate heir. Because of this, the emperor immediately made the Fourth Prince the crown prince and also issued an imperial edict stating that when Ling Xiaoyu came of age, he would inherit the throne.

    “This was all well and good, but for some reason, the little Crown Prince couldn’t speak until he was five years old, and people said he had some kind of mental condition.”

    “The emperor invited famous doctors from all over the kingdom, but none of them could diagnose his illness.”

    “Three years ago, the Eastern Palace suddenly caught fire. In that fire, both the Crown Prince and his consort perished, but Ling Xiaoyu survived unscathed. Some say it was because he was mischievous and sneaked out to play, thus avoiding the disaster. Others say that he was protected by the same celestial omen he was born under, and nothing could harm him. But one thing was for sure, and it remains a mystery to this day: after that day, Ling Xiaoyu suddenly started speaking and became unusually intelligent.”

    Summer Qingfeng paused for a moment, reflecting on the story. “This comforted the emperor, who had lost his son. The emperor then decreed that Ling Xiaoyu would be made the Crown Prince, and he kept him by his side for personal education.”

    Summer Qingfeng then shared what she knew of her previous self’s life: “The original owner was just a minor official’s daughter, and later she was confined to the back courtyard of the Marquis’s house. Her life was difficult, and she didn’t know much about this story.”

    Xu Xiaoxiao cuddled closer, looking up at her mother. “Mom, three years ago, the timing matches up. The fire, and the collapse of the building when Ling Xiaoyu was saving people. They never found his body afterward. At the time, his comrades were even puzzled, saying it was impossible that nothing was left behind.”

    Summer Qingfeng’s brow furrowed, a thought dawning on her. “That’s true… If he didn’t die in the fire, then what really happened?”

    “But if you think about it,” she continued, “Ling Xiaoyu is now the Crown Prince, the future heir to the throne. And you, well, you’re the daughter of a side branch in the Marquis’s house. The difference in status is immense. Plus, he has no memory of his past life, and he doesn’t even know you exist. Just meeting him is hard enough.”

    Xu Xiaoxiao tilted her head, deep in thought. “But Mom… what if we find a way?”

    Summer Qingfeng’s expression softened. “Hmm, I think I might have a plan. You know, that great monk who’s been helping us, Master Kongzhi, wants to take me as his disciple. If I accept, I would become his disciple—and then I’d be his junior sister, right? That means I might be able to see Ling Xiaoyu!”

    “That’s it! We could try this!” Xu Xiaoxiao’s eyes brightened. “You can be his disciple, and then you’ll have a chance to meet him!”

“Alright, let’s go find Master Kongzhi then.”

Just as Summer Qingfeng was about to leave to find Master Kongzhi, a servant, Silver Apricot, arrived to report that the monk from earlier that morning, along with his disciple, had come to visit, bringing along a generous gift of fruits.

Summer Qingfeng took Xu Xiaoxiao and went out to greet them. “This humble woman greets His Highness,” she said, bowing gracefully along with Xu Xiaoxiao. Whether this person was indeed Ling Xiaoyu or not, his status as a royal prince could not be disregarded, so proper etiquette had to be observed.

Ling Xiaoyu hurried forward to help Xu Xiaoxiao up. He then turned to Summer Qingfeng, saying, “Madam, there is no need for such formalities.” His gaze then softened as he looked down at Xu Xiaoxiao, his voice gentle. “How is your little one feeling now?”

Xu Xiaoxiao didn’t speak, but she held onto the sleeve of Ling Xiaoyu’s robe and refused to let go.

Summer Qingfeng chuckled nervously. “A little better… She’s just a child, she cries when she’s upset. Please don’t mind, Your Highness.”

Ling Xiaoyu smiled warmly, his attention still on Xu Xiaoxiao. “It’s alright. I brought some fruit to cheer her up. I hope she enjoys it.”

Xu Xiaoxiao looked up at him and shyly said, “I’m Xu Xiaoxiao.”

Ling Xiaoyu’s smile grew brighter. “Then I’ll call you Xiaoxiao. Is that alright?” He reached out to gently ruffle Xu Xiaoxiao’s hair, his affection for the little girl almost palpable.

For some reason, Ling Xiaoyu felt an inexplicable connection to this child. Ever since he had regained consciousness three years ago, he had felt that something was missing. In his dreams, he would often hear a woman’s voice calling his name, crying, “Ling Xiaoyu… Ling Xiaoyu…” He couldn’t remember who this woman was, but the name sounded so familiar. And for some reason, it felt like he had lost something important—something connected to this name.

Ling Xiaoyu had always known that his birth had been marked by an omen of celestial significance. His father, the emperor, had been made the crown prince because of it. But his memories of his parents were blurry. He didn’t remember his father or mother; he had felt almost soulless for a long time. It wasn’t until the fire three years ago, when he had lost his parents, that he finally regained his consciousness.

After that, his grandfather, the emperor, had taken him under his wing, personally overseeing his education. He had also been taught by renowned scholars and martial arts masters, including Master Yuan Yin of Chongfu Temple, one of the most respected figures in both literature and martial arts.

Despite all his learning, there was still something unsettling about his existence. He was only eight years old, and yet the attempts on his life were relentless, orchestrated by his uncles, the princes who sought to eliminate any threat to their own claims to the throne.

Ling Xiaoyu, though young, had already experienced more hardship than most could imagine. And yet, standing here before this little girl, Xu Xiaoxiao, he felt a strange comfort that he couldn’t explain.

Ling Xiaoyu’s life had been a series of harsh trials, and his survival had led him to a grim realization: his own family, his father and mother, were likely victims of royal intrigue. His uncles, the other princes, were not above assassination in their bid for the throne. It was no wonder that his grandfather, the emperor, had entrusted him with half of his elite dragon guards to ensure his safety. These elite guards had saved his life time and time again.

Over time, Ling Xiaoyu’s temperament had grown colder. He had lost interest in everything around him, feeling as though there was no longer anything worth caring about. Yet, when he met Xu Xiaoxiao, something inexplicable stirred within him. Despite this being their first meeting, he felt an undeniable sense of familiarity and an irresistible pull towards her.

He couldn’t quite understand it, but he believed it was fate. His shadows had informed him that Xu Xiaoxiao was merely the neglected daughter of a lesser branch of the West Ping Marquis family. Her status was low, but she had a certain presence that made him care. He had already made a decision: he would have her accepted as his master’s disciple. If Xu Xiaoxiao were to become the disciple of a revered monk like Master Yuan Yin, no one would dare to harm her.

This was the first time since he regained his consciousness that Ling Xiaoyu had made such a self-indulgent decision.

With the idea of making Xu Xiaoxiao his master’s disciple in mind, it wasn’t long before the ceremony was set. Ling Xiaoyu even prepared a gift—a finely crafted iron staff, a treasure he had kept for himself, for Xu Xiaoxiao to present during the ceremony.

Of course, Summer Qingfeng wouldn’t be outdone. She wanted to show her appreciation and ensure the ceremony was fitting, so she had prepared gifts of her own. She hand-sewed practice clothes for both Ling Xiaoyu and Xu Xiaoxiao, and from her space, she retrieved a rare three-hundred-year-old ginseng to present to Master Yuan Yin as a token of gratitude.

Master Yuan Yin, who had always kept a serene demeanor, was delighted. Not only had he gained a cute and lovable new disciple, but he had also received two precious gifts, both rare and valuable. It was an unexpected joy, one that would enrich both his personal life and his teaching.

Meanwhile, the abbot, Master Yuan Zhen, couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. He sidled up to Yuan Yin with a mischievous grin. “Master, how about sharing one of these disciples with me?” he asked, clearly joking but with an edge of seriousness in his voice.

Yuan Yin shot him a look of amusement and replied, “When it comes to martial skills, you are no match for me. As for scholarly pursuits, you fall short compared to my teachings. With your abilities, you’re better suited to managing the temple.”

Master Yuan Zhen could only chuckle at the playful jab. Despite his envy, it was clear that Yuan Yin was the more accomplished, both in spiritual wisdom and martial prowess. Nonetheless, the exchange hinted at the deep camaraderie between the two monks.