My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1420 Reluctance
Five years later, news came from a caravan in the Western Frontier that someone had seen the nimble-footed Young Master Zhou and the masked heroine galloping on horseback, crushing the Huqin (a type of reed pipe). The wind lifted the gauze curtain, revealing piles of foreign translations of "Ten Strategies for Frontier Defense" inside the carriage. Their story continues, like the plum blossoms braving the snow, blooming even more brilliantly after enduring the frost and snow.

The fourth prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Zhou Xing, was ordered to go to Lingyin Temple to pray for his mother. Lingyin Temple was hidden deep in the mountains, surrounded by ancient trees and shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. Zhou Xing was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a golden crown to bind his hair, exuding royal nobility in his demeanor.

As he stepped into the temple, his gaze was immediately drawn to the incense-filled main hall. At that moment, a figure within the hall caught his eye. A nun, still with her hair intact, was sweeping the hall, a whisk in hand. She wore a light gray robe, her long, black hair casually draped over her shoulders, a few strands fluttering across her forehead, adding to her ethereal beauty.

Zhou Xing's gaze inadvertently fell upon her wrist; a faint scar was visible on her fair skin, a mark left from a past injury. Just as he stared at it, the nun seemed to sense his gaze and slowly raised her head. In that instant, their eyes met, and both were slightly startled. Zhou Xing felt that the nun before him possessed a cool and aloof air, yet also a unique charm that stirred something within him.

The nun Lingxue quickly regained her composure. She nodded slightly and said softly, "Please make yourself at home, benefactor." With that, she continued cleaning. Zhou Xing, however, was somewhat lost in thought. He stood there for a long time before he came to his senses and, accompanied by his attendants, walked toward the abbot's meditation room.

Abbot Xuanwei was already waiting in the meditation room. Upon seeing Zhou Xing enter, he quickly rose and bowed. After Zhou Xing explained his purpose, he chatted with Abbot Xuanwei. He mentioned Ling Xue intentionally or unintentionally, and Abbot Xuanwei sighed, saying, "Ling Xue was originally the daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue of our dynasty. Three years ago, her entire family was unjustly imprisoned, but she was the only one who escaped. She felt that her worldly ties were not yet severed, so she stayed in the temple as a nun with her hair intact."

Zhou Xing's heart stirred, and he became more curious about Ling Xue's background. He excused himself to take a walk in the temple, and before he knew it, he had arrived at the outside of Ling Xue's quarters. Through the window, he saw Ling Xue sitting at a table copying scriptures. Her expression was focused and serene, the brush in her hand rustling on the rice paper. A copy of the *Surangama Sutra* lay on the table, a half-dried maple leaf tucked between its pages, giving it an exceptionally elegant appearance.

Zhou Xing was engrossed in his reading when Ling Xue, seemingly sensing his gaze, suddenly looked up. Their eyes met again, and Zhou Xing felt somewhat awkward. He wanted to turn and leave, but was reluctant to go. Ling Xue merely glanced at him indifferently before lowering her head to continue copying the scripture. Zhou Xing stood there for a while, and seeing that she didn't look up again, he had no choice but to leave dejectedly.

After returning to the capital, Zhou Xing couldn't stop thinking about Ling Xue. He found an excuse and persuaded the emperor to allow him to repair Lingyin Temple. The emperor already favored him, and since this matter would also be considered a meritorious act for the royal family, he granted his request.

Zhou Xing frequently traveled to and from Lingyin Temple under the guise of inspecting the construction project. Each time he went, he would take the opportunity to meet Ling Xue. Once, he saw Ling Xue mending an old cassock, so he went over to help, handing her the needle and thread. As Ling Xue took the needle and thread, her fingers accidentally touched his hand. In an instant, both of them seemed to be electrocuted, simultaneously pulling their hands away. Zhou Xing's ears immediately turned bright red. He dared not look at Ling Xue again, hastily saying, "I'll go out now," and turned to leave the room.

However, the peaceful days didn't last long. The Censorate suddenly received a report alleging that the evidence against Ling Xue's father for embezzlement was questionable. Upon learning of this, Zhou Xing secretly dispatched people to thoroughly investigate the case. After some investigation, they discovered that most of the witnesses involved in the case had died suddenly, and the only clue was found in the old files of the Ministry of Justice. It turned out that the real culprit was actually a protégé of the Grand Tutor of the court.

Zhou Xing realized that a huge conspiracy must be hidden behind this matter, so he decided to hold back and secretly gather evidence. Meanwhile, Ling Xue accidentally discovered a secret letter left by her father in the library. The letter contained evidence of the Grand Tutor's collusion with the enemy state. Before she could read it carefully, a dark figure flashed past the window. She was startled, realizing that someone had been watching her.

Just as Zhou Xing and Ling Xue were each working hard to uncover the truth, the Grand Tutor's henchmen plotted an assassination. They bribed bandits to pose as assassins and ambush Zhou Xing on his way back to the capital.

As soon as Zhou Xing and his group entered the valley, the bandits rushed out. In an instant, swords flashed and shouts of battle filled the air. Zhou Xing's servants fought valiantly, but the bandits outnumbered them and gradually became overwhelmed. Zhou Xing himself was also in danger, sustaining multiple wounds, his clothes stained crimson with blood.

Just when Zhou Xing thought he was about to die, Ling Xue appeared. Holding a whisk, her eyes resolute, she skillfully dodged the bandits' attacks and came to Zhou Xing's side. She took a small bottle from her sleeve, containing some medicinal powder, and sprinkled it on the bandits. The powder blinded the bandits, and they temporarily lost their bearings.

Taking advantage of the situation, Ling Xue helped Zhou Xing hide in a cave. Inside the cave, Zhou Xing developed a high fever due to his injuries and shock. In his delirium, he murmured "Miss Ling," his hands tightly gripping Ling Xue's sleeve. Ling Xue looked at him, a wave of panic washing over her. To bring Zhou Xing's fever down, she had no choice but to loosen the sash of her monk's robe and wipe his forehead with a damp cloth.

While unconscious, Zhou Xing felt Ling Xue's gentleness, and his consciousness gradually returned. When he saw Ling Xue unbuttoning her monk's robe, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Ling Xue also realized that her actions were somewhat inappropriate, and her face immediately turned red.

The two hid in the cave for the night, and the bandits had already left by the next morning. When they emerged from the cave, they discovered that their feelings for each other had changed.

However, the situation was becoming increasingly dire. The emperor suddenly fell ill, the Grand Tutor seized control of the court, and the fourth prince, Zhou Xing, was forbidden from entering the capital. Zhou Xing knew he could not sit idly by and wait for his doom, so he conspired with Ling Xue to forge his father's will, attempting to expose the Grand Tutor's conspiracy.

Ling Xue decided to personally deliver the letter to the capital. She disguised herself as a female physician and joined the medicine delivery team. However, upon arriving in the capital, she was still spotted by the Grand Tutor's men. They searched her but couldn't find the will. It turned out that Zhou Xing had already sewn the will into a lining of Ling Xue's robe.

Zhou Xing gathered his old troops on the outskirts of the capital, preparing to launch a mutiny to expose the Grand Tutor's conspiracy. Ling Xue also arrived at the military camp with her will. However, the Grand Tutor was prepared; he falsely accused Ling Xue of being a demon and had her burned at the stake.

Upon learning of this, Zhou Xing was frantic with worry. Ignoring everyone's advice, he charged into the enemy ranks alone. At the moment when a hail of arrows was unleashed, he roared, "If Heaven is unjust, I will defy fate!" His figure flashed into the enemy ranks like lightning, his sword flashing, and wherever he went, enemies fell one after another.

Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, Zhou Xing finally reached Ling Xue's side. He swung his sword, cutting the ropes, and carried Ling Xue away from the stake. However, their situation remained extremely dangerous, with the Grand Tutor's pursuers hot on their heels.

The two fled to a dilapidated temple. Zhou Xing tended to Ling Xue's wounds, carefully treating them with tenderness in his eyes. Ling Xue looked at him, her heart filled with emotion. Knowing she could no longer suppress her feelings, she confessed her inner conflict: "Since childhood, I vowed to live a life of seclusion with only the lamp and the Buddha, but now, because of you, I've been moved by worldly desires."

Zhou Xing gently stroked her hair and said, "I am willing to give up this throne and live in seclusion with you in the mountains." Ling Xue's eyes flashed with a hint of joy, but it quickly dimmed again. She took out the poisoned wine left by her father and handed it to Zhou Xing, saying, "If you really give up everything for me, drink this cup of Heartless Gu, and from then on we can forget the troubles of the world."

Zhou Xing looked at the cup of poisoned wine, and without the slightest hesitation, drank it all in one gulp. Ling Xue looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes. The two embraced tightly, as if the whole world had become irrelevant to them.

After drinking the Heartless Gu, Zhou Xing became extremely weak. However, he still forced himself to stand by Ling Xue and face the Grand Tutor's army. The atmosphere in the Golden Palace was incredibly tense. Zhou Xing, dragging his weakened body, publicly revealed irrefutable evidence of the Grand Tutor's collusion with the enemy. Ling Xue also removed her monk's hat, let her long hair down, and confronted the Grand Tutor as the daughter of a disgraced official. Her words were sharp and clear, exposing the Grand Tutor's crimes one by one.

However, the Grand Tutor was unwilling to accept defeat, and he set fire to the palace. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the entire Golden Palace in flames. Seeing the situation was dire, Zhou Xing scooped up Ling Xue and jumped into the icy pool outside the palace.

The water in the icy pool was bone-chilling. Zhou Xing held Ling Xue tightly, warming her with his own body heat. Ling Xue looked at Zhou Xing, her heart filled with gratitude. Just then, she noticed black poisonous patterns appearing on Zhou Xing's chest. She was startled, remembering that the Heartless Gu was actually a deadly poison.

Seeing Ling Xue's terrified expression, Zhou Xing smiled slightly and said, "Don't be afraid. With you by my side, I'm not afraid of death." Tears streamed down Ling Xue's face as she hugged Zhou Xing tightly, refusing to let go.

At dawn, the Imperial Guards finally arrived at the edge of the icy pool. With his last ounce of strength, Zhou Xing handed the tiger tally to his trusted general, ordering him to quell the rebellion. Ling Xue was heartbroken. Holding Zhou Xing's body, she walked step by step into the frozen river. Just as she was about to drown, Zhou Xing pushed her away one last time, roaring, "Live!"

After the new emperor ascended the throne, he exonerated Zhou Xing and Ling Xue. Master Xuanwei discovered a certificate of ordination that Zhou Xing had left for Ling Xue in the temple, which read, "Lady Zhou Xing, wife Ling." Upon seeing the certificate, Ling Xue burst into tears.

After that, every snowy night, a veiled woman would come to Lingyin Temple to sweep the pagoda. Her figure was lonely and forlorn. After sweeping the pagoda, she would bury a jar of osmanthus wine from Zuixianglou in front of the steps. The abbot said that the man had promised to "take you to taste all the spring flavors of Jiangnan in the future."

Ten years later, news came from beyond the Great Wall that a Han strategist skilled in mechanical arts under the Khan's command was always staring blankly at a faded amulet. Occasionally, half a line from "The Locked Jade Pouch" would be hummed in the wind of the grasslands. And Ling Xue still came to Lingyin Temple every year, lingering under that ancient maple tree. She knew that the man she once loved was gone, but the memories they shared remained forever in her heart.

The torrential rain poured down like a burst dam, pounding the ground. The village school swayed precariously in the wind and rain, its thatched roof flying wildly in the wind. Zhou Xing, dressed in a blue robe, sat at a dilapidated table, shielding the books on it with his own body. Rainwater slid down the eaves, soaking his clothes, but he was oblivious, focused solely on protecting these precious books.

Ling Xue hurried over, holding an oil-paper umbrella. She was dressed in simple coarse cloth, with a medicine pouch hanging from her waist, the copper bell on the pouch jingling as she walked. When she saw Zhou Xing, soaked to the bone but still tightly protecting the books, her heart tightened. She quickly stepped forward and held the umbrella over Zhou Xing's head, shielding his drenched blue robe.

"Mr. Zhou, why are you doing this to yourself?" Ling Xue said softly, her eyes full of heartache.

Zhou Xing raised his head, looked at Ling Xue, smiled slightly, and said, "These classic texts are the crystallization of wisdom and should not be easily damaged."

Ling Xue sighed helplessly, took out a towel from her medicine pouch, handed it to Zhou Xing, and said, "Sir, wipe yourself down first, don't catch a cold."

Zhou Xing took the towel but didn't wipe himself immediately. Instead, he looked at Ling Xue and asked, "Miss Ling, have you ever thought about leaving this fishing village?"

Ling Xue shook her head and said, "I grew up here and have developed feelings for this place. Besides, the villagers need me, so how can I leave?"

Zhou Xing nodded and said, "You are kind-hearted and skilled in medicine. If you can go out and see the world, you will surely achieve even greater things."

Ling Xue smiled and said, "Sir, you flatter me. I am just an ordinary female doctor who only hopes to live a peaceful and uneventful life in this fishing village."

Just then, the roof of the private school collapsed under the weight. Zhou Xing instinctively pulled Ling Xue into his arms, a beam grazing his temple and drawing blood on his face. Ling Xue panicked at the sight of the blood on Zhou Xing's face and quickly took out some wound medicine from her medicine pouch to stop the bleeding.

That night, Ling Xue returned home and retrieved a sandalwood box from under her bed. She opened it; inside was a blood-stained Regent's Seal. Looking at the jade seal, she recalled the shipwreck three years prior. At that time, she had rescued the severely injured Zhou Xing and discovered the jade seal on his waist. When Zhou Xing awoke, his first words were, "Burn it." Without asking further questions, she silently hid the jade seal away.

One day, the county magistrate arrived at the fishing village with a group of constables. Under the pretext of searching for a miraculous medicine, they forcibly requisitioned the fishermen's boats. Old fisherman Wu Bo knelt on the mudflats, weeping about his family's plight and hoping the magistrate would show leniency. However, the magistrate remained unmoved and kicked Wu Bo to the ground.

Zhou Xing happened to be passing by and saw this scene. He looked coldly at the magistrate and said, "Sir, the people are the foundation of the country. How can you bear to oppress them like this?"

The magistrate looked at Zhou Xing, sneered, and said, "Who are you? How dare you meddle in my business?"

Zhou Xing stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "I am merely a schoolteacher in this fishing village, but I cannot bear to see you, sir, oppressing the people like this."

Enraged, the magistrate said, "You ignorant fool, today I will punish you as well."

Just as the two sides were at an impasse, Ling Xue walked over carrying a medicine box. She pretended to take the magistrate's pulse, and taking advantage of his unpreparedness, she suddenly took out silver needles and inserted them into the magistrate's acupoints. The magistrate's body immediately went limp and he collapsed to the ground.