The Empress pressed her lips together. She was shocked that her heart would throb because of Pang Xiao's hearty laughter. She was already old, but Pang Xiao was just twenty-eight years old. It was the best age for men. Thinking back, when Pang Xiao and Jin Shang became sworn brothers, he was only fourteen. Every time the tall and thin youth saw her, he would smile and call her daisao … …
She was his sister-in-law, Jin Shang's di wife, and the birth mother of the only imperial son. How could she be moved by a man who was so many years younger than her?
But her heart that had been hardened after being in the palace for so many years did not listen to her wishes. Seeing Pang Xiao carry Qin Yining and steadily cross the bridge, the Empress could not suppress her envy and jealousy. That feeling was too torturous for her, and she despised herself.
Pang Xiao sent Qin Yining across the bridge. Jing Zhe and the others also crossed the bridge to protect Qin Yining.
Pang Xiao turned back and stood in front of the Empress. He said with a smile, "Niangniang, do you need to rest for a while more?"
The Empress dazedly came back to her senses. She used all her willpower to not show any abnormalities.
She tried to climb up, but she was so tired she could not stand. Her feet hurt, her legs hurt. She swayed and almost fell.
Pang Xiao hurriedly reached out to support her.
The Empress grabbed onto Pang Xiao's strong and strong arm to steady herself. But the heat from her hand seemed to be able to burn people. Her heart beat quickly and she hurriedly pulled back her hand.
"Niangniang, are you alright?"
"Ben gong is fine." The Empress' voice was slightly hoarse.
Pang Xiao saw that the Empress's hairpin was late and she looked very distressed. He thought that she was extremely tired, so he said, "Niangniang, hold on a little longer. After crossing this bridge, it will be flat ground. We will reach Wan Fo Temple very soon."
"Alright." Other than nodding, the Empress did not know what else to do.
Bringing the Empress across the bridge, Pang Xiao naturally could not carry her across. He walked backwards in front and stretched out an arm as a handrail. The Empress then supported Pang Xiao's arm and moved forward step by step. The guards who came with the Empress followed closely behind to protect them.
Soon, they reached the other side of the bridge. Pang Xiao strode back to Qin Yining's side, leaving the Empress behind.
He was no longer needed for the rest of the journey.
The Empress' expression was solemn, not allowing anyone to see her disappointment. If there were no accidents, this would be his last chance to be so close to Pang Xiao.
Looking at Pang Xiao and Qin Yining walking towards Wanfo Temple hand in hand, their backs looked so compatible. The two of them talked and laughed, and the atmosphere was so good. Pang Xiao often looked at Qin Yining with gentle eyes.
They were truly an enviable couple.
But she shamefully had thoughts about Pang Xiao that she should not have. She was the Empress, she should be the mother of the world, dignified and self-controlled. If she could not be a woman and be peaceful and lonely, what face did she have to be a role model for all the women in the world? What face did she have to restrain others?
Now it seemed that her feelings were even more shameful than the relationship between Qin Yining and Lu Heng … …
The Empress was tormented by self-blame and shame. But that throbbing was not fake. She was not in the mood to appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way. When she followed Pang Xiao and Qin Yining to knock on the door of Wanfo Temple and was led in by the reception monk, the Empress raised her head to look at the two-story Bodhisattva statue. The guilt in her heart could not be hidden under the Bodhisattva's compassionate gaze. She piously put her hands together and bowed.
The Empress had come to worship Buddha and pray for the people of Da Zhou. How could such a thing be concealed? Pang Xiao immediately went to the reception monk's ear and whispered the identity of their group.
The reception monk raised his head in surprise and recited, "Amitabha, so it is honored guests. Please forgive this poor monk for not knowing."
Pang Xiao smiled and said, "Young master, no need to be so courteous. It is us who have disturbed your temple. It is because the rain has not stopped and this humble one is very worried, so we have come to your temple to worship Buddha. "
"Honored guests care for the world, it is the fortune of the people. But today the abbot has an old friend who has come to visit. The two have been discussing Buddhism and have not returned yet. It is impolite that the abbot could not personally come to greet us."
"Not at all." The Empress came forward with a smile and put her hands together. "Since we have come to worship Buddha, there is no distinction between high and low. Young master, please lead the way for us."
"Amitabha, the Empress is benevolent. This poor monk will take the honored guests to the meditation room for the time being."
They then followed the reception monk to the side courtyard to settle down. Pang Xiao also informed the reception monk that more people would be coming in later. The reception monk then led the young novice monk to tidy up the entire meditation room in the side courtyard. He also ordered the kitchen to prepare vegetarian food.
The Empress had just settled down and went to the main hall. She knelt in front of the Buddha with her hands together.
Everyone thought that she was praying for the people, but only she knew that today she had feelings that she should not have. She despised herself and spurned herself in the bottom of her heart. She wanted to seek forgiveness in front of the Buddha. Even if she could not, she wanted to find peace in her heart.
Qin Yining and Pang Xiao also changed their clothes in the meditation room.
Pang Xiao smiled and said, "How is it? Are you tired?"
"I am a little tired." Rubbing his sore legs and feet, Qin Yining said helplessly, "The mountain road is rugged and difficult. It is beyond imagination. I am really worried when I have to go down the mountain."
"What are you afraid of? I will carry you." Pang Xiao smiled and said, "I had wanted to take you to walk around and then go to the backyard to see the old trees. Now it seems that you should rest well. Since the Empress is here, we are not in a hurry to go back. It is good to stay here for a few more days. "
"Yes. I had not thought that the Empress would travel so far to come here to pray. She is very sincere. Admirable. "
Qin Yining knew that the Empress sincerely hoped that the people of Da Zhou could live in peace and contentment. The Empress was also pure and was not an evil person. Even though their positions were different and they would stand on opposite sides sooner or later, Qin Yining admired the Empress very much right now.
Pang Xiao smiled and did not continue this topic. He started to talk about other things with Qin Yining.
When it was dark, Pang Xiao's entourage finally arrived at the Wan Fo Temple one after another. The reception monk didn't dare to be negligent. He ordered the young novice monk to lead them to their accommodations, and arranged a vegetarian meal for them.
Qin Yining did not see Mu Jinghu in the crowd but did not ask. When they returned to the meditation room, he asked Pang Xiao in a low voice.
Pang Xiao said, "I was worried that something was wrong, so I asked Mu Jinghu to observe in secret. Don't worry. After confirming that nothing was wrong, I let him come back."
"That's good. As a friend, Mu Gongzi has been loyal enough for us. Every time I trouble him, I feel uneasy. "
Pang Xiao smiled and said, "Don't worry. My friendship with Mu Jinghu does not need to be so calculative. He is sincere to me. My sincerity in return is the best repayment. There is no need to be so calculative between friends. "
The friendship between men was naturally different from that between women. Qin Yining knew that Pang Xiao had a sense of propriety and did not nag anymore. After working hard for an entire day, the two went to bed early.
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