Return of the Swallow

The queen pursed her lips, surprised that her heart was throbbing because of Pang Xiao's hearty laughter. She was already old, but Pang Xiao was just twenty-eight years old, which was the best age for a man. Looking back on those days, Pang Xiao and Jin Shang were sworn friends when they were just fourteen. The tall and thin young man would smile and shout every time he saw her. A sister-in-law...

She is a sister-in-law, the current wife, and the biological mother of the only prince. How can she be attracted to a man who is so many years younger than her?

But her hard heart, which had been tempered for many years in the palace, refused to listen to her wishes. Seeing Pang Xiao carrying Qin Yining steadily across the bridge, the queen couldn't help feeling envious and jealous. That feeling was too painful for her, making her despise herself.

Pang Xiao sent Qin Yining across the bridge, and the four of Jingzhe also crossed the bridge to protect Qin Yining.

Pang Xiao came back and stood in front of the Queen, smiling and saying: "My Lady, do you still need to rest for a while?"

The queen came to her senses in a daze and used all her willpower not to show any abnormality.

She tried her best to get up, but she was too tired to stand still. Her feet hurt and her legs hurt. She was staggering and almost fell down.

Pang Xiao stretched out his arms to help her.

The queen grabbed Pang Xiao's strong and strong arm to stabilize her body. However, the heat coming from her hand was as if it could burn someone. Her heart beat very fast and she retracted her hand in panic.

"Is your wife okay?"

"I am fine." The Queen's voice was a little hoarse.

Pang Xiao saw that the queen's hairpin was late and she looked very embarrassed, so he thought she was extremely tired and said: "Hold on a little longer, the queen will reach the flat ground after crossing this bridge, and we will soon reach the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. "

"Okay." The queen didn't know what to do except nodded.

When leading the queen across the bridge, it was naturally impossible for Pang Xiao to cross with someone in his arms. He walked backwards in front and stretched out an arm as an armrest. The queen indulged herself and held Pang Xiao's arm as she moved forward step by step, following the queen. The guards followed closely behind to protect him.

Soon after arriving at the other side of the bridge, Pang Xiao strode back to Qin Yining, leaving the queen behind.

He is no longer needed for the rest of the journey.

The queen kept her expression calm, not letting anyone see her disappointment. If nothing unexpected happened, this would be the last chance to have such close contact with Pang Xiao.

Looking at Pang Xiao and Qin Yining walking towards the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple in front, their backs looked so matched. The two were chatting and laughing, the atmosphere was so good, and Pang Xiao's eyes often looked at Qin Yining were so gentle.

What an enviable pair.

But she shamefully had unwanted thoughts towards Pang Xiao. As a queen, she should be respectful to the world, dignified and self-possessed. If she can't abide by the ways of a woman and be alone, how can she have the dignity to set an example for women in the world? What kind of face do you have to restrain others?

Now it seems that my heart is even more shameful than the relationship between Qin Yining and Lu Heng...

The queen suffered from self-blame and shame. However, the throbbing was not fake, and she had no intention of admiring the wonderful scenery along the way. When she followed Pang Xiao and Qin Yining and knocked on the door of Wanfo Temple, Zhike Monk introduced the door. The queen raised her head and looked up at the two-story Bodhisattva statue. The guilt in her heart was almost invisible under the compassionate eyes of the Bodhisattva. She folded her hands devoutly and bowed.

The queen came to worship the Buddha and pray for the people of the Zhou Dynasty.

How can such a thing be covered up? Pang Xiao immediately leaned into Zhike Monk's ear and whispered the identity of their group.

The monk who knew the guest raised his head in surprise and recited: "Amitabha, it turns out that this is a distinguished guest. Please forgive me for the sin of ignorance of this poor monk."

Pang Xiao said with a smile: "Young master, you don't have to be polite. It's us who are disturbing your temple. In fact, because of the rain, I was very worried, so I came to your temple to worship the Buddha sincerely."

"It is a blessing for all people to have an honored guest who cares about the world. Unfortunately, today the abbot has an old friend who came to visit. The two of them discussed Buddhism and have not returned yet. It is really rude not to allow the abbot master to come to greet him in person."

"If so." The queen came forward with a smile and clasped her hands together, "Since we have come to worship the Buddha, there is no distinction between high and low. Please also ask the young master to guide us."

"Amitabha, the empress is kind, and the poor monk will take all the distinguished guests to the Zen room for temporary accommodation."

Several people followed Zhike Monk to settle down across the courtyard. Pang Xiao also informed Zhike Monk that people would come up one after another later. Zhike Monk took the young novice and organized the entire Zen room across the courtyard. He also ordered the kitchen to prepare fast meals.

The queen had just settled down and went to the main hall, kneeling devoutly in front of the Buddha with her hands clasped together.

Everyone only thought that she was praying for the people, but only she knew that she had emotions that she shouldn't have in her heart today. She despised and spurned herself in her heart, and wanted to find forgiveness in front of the Buddha. Even if she couldn't, she would Want to find peace of mind.

Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were also getting dressed in the Zen room.

Pang Xiao smiled and said, "How are you? Are you tired?"

"I'm a little tired." Qin Yining said helplessly while rubbing his sore legs and feet, "This mountain road is far more rugged and difficult than I imagined. I really get worried when I think about when I have to go down the mountain."

"What are you afraid of? I will carry you on my back then." Pang Xiao said with a smile, "I wanted to take you for a walk around and then go to the backyard to see the ancient trees. Now it seems that it is better for you to rest. Anyway, Queen Now, we are not in a hurry to go back, we can just stay here for a few more days."

"Yes. I didn't expect that the Queen would travel such a long way to pray here. She is really pious. It's admirable."

Qin Yining knew that the queen sincerely hoped that the people of the Zhou Dynasty could live and work in peace and contentment, and that the queen had a pure heart and was not an evildoer. Although her positions were different, she would be on the opposite side sooner or later in the future, but right now Qin Yining admired the queen very much.

Pang Xiao smiled, did not continue this topic, and started talking to Qin Yining about something else.

When it got dark, the group of people accompanying Pang Xiao finally arrived at Wanfo Temple one after another. The monk Zhike did not dare to neglect and ordered the young novice monk to lead everyone to stay and arrange a fast meal.

Qin Yining noticed that Mu Jinghu was not among the crowd and did not ask questions in person. He waited until he returned to the meditation room and asked Pang Xiao in a low voice.

Pang Xiao said: "I was worried that there was something abnormal, so I asked Mu Mu to observe secretly. Don't worry, I will let him come back later after making sure everything is fine."

"That's good. As a friend, Mr. Mu has been loyal enough for us. Every time I trouble him, I feel uneasy."

Pang Xiao smiled and said: "Don't worry, there is no need to worry about my friendship with Mu Mu. He is sincere to me, and my sincerity in return is the best reward. There is no need to worry about it between friends."

Friendship between men is naturally different from that between women. Qin Yining knew that Pang Xiao acted in a measured manner, so he stopped nagging, and the two of them took a rest early after working hard all day.

At this time, in the dimly lit hall, the queen was reciting sutras with her eyes closed. Suddenly, she heard the door creaking open behind her, and footsteps approaching slowly.

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