Only a Prince
She didn't understand!
These were all things that she had memorized after flipping through a few books on Dharma when she was collecting information in the archaeology department.
Ji Yunshu said, "People spend their entire lives trying to understand Buddhism, but even in death, they don't understand the true meaning of Buddhism. The so-called 'having Buddha in your heart' is nothing more than self-consolation."
"…" Madame Kong remained silent.
"This one only has one question for Madame. Why do you believe in Buddhism?"
Ah!
No one had ever asked Madame Kong this question before. Her elegant face showed a trace of confusion and surprise.
After a long time …
"Buddha. It's just Buddha. Without Buddha, I don't know what I am."
"You're also a mother."
Madame Kong's expression changed as if she had just woken up from a dream. She propped herself up from the ground.
Ji Yunshu also helped her up, and they both stood up.
Madame Kong seemed to struggle to get up, but her hands never left the prayer beads in her hands. She walked to the window and pushed it open.
A warm breeze blew in, dispersing the thick scent of candles.
A few peach blossom petals fell on the windowsill.
Madame Kong's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at the vibrant peach blossoms in the courtyard.
She spoke in a desolate tone, "Yu 'er has always been by my side since she was a child. She never disobeyed my wishes. She was very obedient and sensible. She was a good girl, a good daughter. I still remember ten years ago, when I was seriously ill. She stayed by my side every day. Every day, her little body would curl up at my bedside, watching over me night after night. She was only seven years old at that time."
As she spoke, Madame Kong's lips curved into a rare smile.
It was a desolate smile.
Ji Yunshu listened quietly. She walked to Madame Kong's side and followed her gaze.
The peach blossoms were very beautiful, dazzling red in her eyes.
She said, "When Miss Kong died, she didn't mention you, but I think the person she couldn't let go of the most was you."
"…"
"You believe in Buddhism and believe that everything is up to fate. You also tried to hypnotize yourself that Kong Yu being bestowed the title of Princess was Heaven's will, that her marriage to Qujiang was also Heaven's will, that her marriage to the Crown Prince was also Heaven's will. Even though you were so casual, she never resented you."
Madame Kong's eyes welled up with tears, and she clutched the string of prayer beads tightly.
After a long time …
Tears fell from her eyes, but she lifted her sleeves to wipe them away.
After he calmed down, he said in a low voice, "Many thanks to Sir for telling me these words. I think I understand. “
"I'm not saying all of this to make you feel guilty, Madam Kong. Rather, I hope that you can understand that this result was Miss Kong's own choice, just like how you chose to believe in Buddha."
Madame Kong nodded.
He asked, "Mister, are you here for Yu 'er's last wish? Please tell me."
"Miss Kong said that she hopes that Miss Juan 'er can leave the palace."
"Juan 'er?"
"Yes." She nodded her head: "Miss Juan 'er entered the palace with Miss Kong, not as a palace maid, so she will not be able to leave the palace for the rest of her life. Madam needs you to enter the palace to bring her out. I believe His Majesty will agree."
"Alright, I will do it."
"After Juan 'er leaves the palace, Madam, please take her away from the capital. Emerald Retreat is indeed a good place."
Kong Yu was already dead, so for Madame Kong, there was no need for her to continue staying in the capital. Leaving the capital was a good thing.
The two of them did not say anything else.
Ji Yunshu cupped her hands in farewell. Before she left, she said, "Humans are humans, and Buddha is Buddha. Humans can't be Buddha, and Buddha can't be human."
Ji Yunshu left after she finished her speech to the government.
Madame Kong twisted the prayer beads in her hand after she left.
Drip.
The string of prayer beads that she had worn on her fingers for more than ten years finally broke.
The ninety-nine pearls all fell to the ground, each rolling like a wild horse out of control, scurrying in all directions.
When Ji Yunshu reached the courtyard, she called out to Wei Yi. Wei Yi plucked several peach blossoms and happily ran out of the peach grove, presenting them to her.
"Here!"
He flashed a boyish grin.
Ji Yunshu took the peach blossoms from his hands and patted his head.
"Let's go home."
"Yes!"
… …
At the Imperial Palace.
After the Crown Prince's death, the civil and military officials surrounded the palace and lined up outside Fuyang Hall.
In the inner hall, Jing Yi, Jing Rong, and Jing Hua were also standing in a row.
The carved wooden door in front of them was tightly shut. No one dared to knock or push open the door to enter.
Everyone stood there for a day and a night.
Other than an edict from the gate, ordering that the Crown Prince's rebellion was not to be publicized, and that the Crown Prince's burial time was fixed, there was no further movement.
Jing Rong's face was cold and stiff. His eyes had long lost their focus, and he looked tired.
Jing Yi, who was beside him, nudged him with his elbow.
He lowered his voice and asked, "Miss Kong is really pitiful. Originally, she thought that she would be conferred the title of princess and married to Qujiang as a consort. But after marrying Jing Hua, she became a widow in just a few hours. Who would have thought that she would commit suicide like the Crown Prince? Fate makes fools of people."
What a strange tone!
"Don't you feel sad at all?" Jing Yi asked.
Jing Rong ignored him. There was no trace of emotion in his eyes.
Seeing him like this, Jing Yi curled his lips and raised his head. He narrowed his eyes and pondered. "Say, now that the Crown Prince is dead, who do you think will be the next Crown Prince?"
His smile was sinister and treacherous.
After a while, Jing Rong raised his eyes and looked straight ahead. He said in a low voice, "In this life, you can only be a prince."
Huh!
Jing Yi was a little surprised by his sudden words.
He sneered and ridiculed, "I'm not like you, who only wants to be a carefree prince for the rest of my life."
Jing Rong's cold and stiff face condensed a cold light. It was as if his eyes were about to burst out in an instant. Fortunately, all his hostility was gathered in his tightly clenched fists.
He indifferently said, "Sometimes, people's hearts change. The more you don't want something, the more you will be forced to want it. Today, that is my situation."
Jing Yi understood what he meant.
Jing Xian, who was beside him, also understood.
Just as Jing Yi was about to open his mouth to reply, the door in front of him opened.
Zhang Quan bowed and came out. "His Majesty has decreed that everyone may withdraw."
After saying that, he turned around and entered the room, closing the door behind him.
The civil and military officials had been standing for a day and a night. Their bodies could not take it anymore. Once the edict was issued, they all dispersed and went back to sleep.
Jing Xian also could not endure the torment and returned to Tongren Hall with the help of a eunuch.
Jing Rong left the palace and boarded the carriage.
"Your Highness, are you going back to the residence or to Bamboo Creek Garden?" Lang Po, who was waiting outside, asked.
"Yuhua Pavilion!" Jing Rong coldly replied.
However, Lang Po thoughtfully reminded him, "Your Highness, do you want to see Teacher Ji?"
Jing Rong glanced at him.
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