frightfiction Chapter 1614 Where is Master Xingchen's Reputation? (Bonus Chapter for 247 Million Reward Point
Chapter 1614 Where is Master Xingchen's Reputation? (Bonus Chapter for 247 Million Reward Point
Although she tried her best to lower her head to hide it, her reaction in that instant was enough to say everything.
Consort Kang's heart sank, but she didn't show it on her face. She continued in a questioning tone, "That eminent monk is none other than Master Xingchen, who is now famous throughout the capital."
"His handwritten Buddhist scriptures are priceless. I am very curious, how did you obtain them? And not just one copy."
Chu Shuxian's breathing became rapid, and she shook her head violently, saying, "No...no! Your Highness, you've mistaken me!"
"This...this is just an ordinary Buddhist scripture!"
"It was...it was something I casually...casually picked up at the temple when I went to offer incense before entering the palace! How could it possibly be Master Xingchen's own handwriting?! How could a sinner have such good fortune..."
She spoke incoherently, her eyes darting around in a panic, but she dared not look into Consort Kang's eyes, nor did she dare look at the scripture on the table.
His extremely guilty look was practically screaming "I'm hiding something."
Consort Kang watched Chu Shuxian's clumsy performance in silence. Instead of dissipating, the doubts in her heart grew bigger and bigger like a snowball, and a chill ran through her.
If it were just an ordinary Buddhist scripture that had been brought in, why would the Chu family be so alarmed?
This clearly shows that she was terrified of being discovered that she had an extraordinary connection with Master Xingchen!
"Oh? You just picked it up casually?"
Consort Kang picked up the scripture and casually flipped to a page: "I shouldn't mistake this handwriting. Besides..."
At this point, she turned to the last page of the sutra and pointed to the cinnabar lotus seal: "I saw this seal on the Diamond Sutra that Master Xingchen gave me back then, it's exactly the same."
Chu Shuxian was struck dumb, frozen in place, her breath almost stopping.
She stared intently at the small lotus seal, her eyes filled with nothing but despair.
Was it eventually discovered...?
Will it... will it implicate Xingchen?
Chu Shuxian opened her mouth, as if she wanted to explain something, but couldn't say anything.
Consort Kang knew that if she pressed further, Lady Chu would either break down and start talking nonsense, or she would stubbornly deny everything.
On the contrary, it is of no benefit.
She came today only to confirm her suspicions, and... to make an example of them and see how they would react.
Consort Kang closed the Buddhist scripture and put it back in her sleeve, her expression softening slightly: "I was just curious and asked casually. If you don't want to say more, then forget it."
"Since this scripture is your old possession, it must be a cherished keepsake for you. I will keep it for you for the time being, lest it be eaten by insects or ruined by someone who doesn't understand it."
Consort Kang then pointed to the food box and bundle on the table: "Take good care of these things. The Cold Palace is not a good place after all, so please take good care of yourself."
"Perhaps His Majesty will remember you one day and release you."
Consort Kang left behind ambiguous words of comfort, gave Chu Shuxian a deep look, said no more, and turned to Caiju, gesturing, "Let's go."
"Yes."
Caiju quickly suppressed her shock, stepped forward to support Consort Kang, and walked towards the door.
Chu Shuxian remained frozen in place until the broken door was pushed open and closed again. Only then did all her strength drain away, her legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground.
Cold sweat had already soaked through his inner clothes, clinging coldly to his skin.
Consort Kang... how could she know?
How could she recognize Master Xingchen's handwriting?
How much did she actually know?
What exactly is Consort Kang's purpose in coming today? Taking away the scriptures... what is she planning to do with them?
Countless terrifying questions floated through Chu Shuxian's mind, but there were no answers.
She remembered Master Xingchen's compassionate face.
I recalled those secret and brief meetings between them.
I thought of that unborn child...
Is it possible that even this secret, hidden deep in my heart, cannot be kept?
……
Chuxiu Palace.
A shadow fell across Consort Kang's brow.
Caiju stood to the side, utterly horrified.
Ever since she returned from the Cold Palace, the Empress has remained silent, staring blankly at the Buddhist scriptures on the table, her complex expression chilling the Empress to the bone.
She finally understood.
The Empress's risky trip to the Cold Palace was not because she felt sorry for Lady Chu, but for... Master Xingchen!
This realization terrified Caiju!
Could it be that after all these years, the Empress still harbors feelings of love for that eminent monk?
This idea is too dangerous!
Who is Master Xingchen?
He is a Buddhist leader whom even His Majesty must show respect to; he is a lofty and immaculate moon!
The Empress is His Majesty's concubine, Consort Kang of the Inner Palace!
If even the slightest hint of this thought were to be discovered... Caiju dared not imagine the consequences.
"My lady..."
Caiju mustered her courage and said, "It's getting late, please have some dinner first. As for this Buddhist scripture... if you like it, you can put it away and read it at your leisure."
"It's just that the Cold Palace is filled with bad luck, so you shouldn't go there anymore. Lady Chu is already in such a state; she has her own fate. Why should Your Highness get involved in such things?"
Her words were full of concern and advice.
Consort Kang remained silent.
Master Xingchen was the deepest longing buried in her heart.
He not only saved her life.
Many years ago, there was that young monk who transcribed the Diamond Sutra for her outside the Sutra Repository of Fatu Temple. He had handsome features and a compassionate yet serene gaze, like the clearest spring water in the mountains.
He was the only bright moon she could hold in her heart and silently worship in the cold harem.
It was a glimmer of light in her timid life, something she could only dream of but never reach, yet enough to illuminate a corner of her heart.
But now... this bright moon has been stained!
Chu Shuxian!
Upon hearing this name, Consort Kang's eyes suddenly turned icy cold!
"Master Xingchen is the bright moon in the sky, the lotus throne before the Buddha. Pure and flawless, untouched by any dust."
Consort Kang raised her eyes to look at Caiju and said coldly, "How could someone as shallow and vulgar as Chu Shuxian be worthy of even aspirations or taints upon?!"
Caiju was stunned.
Your Majesty's words...
Consort Kang's gaze returned to the Buddhist scriptures, her tone growing colder: "Moreover, once Lady Chu entered the palace, she became His Majesty's woman. In life, she was His Majesty's person; in death... she should also be His Majesty's ghost!"
"She actually dared to have such an unclear connection with a recluse like Master Xingchen! These Buddhist scriptures are irrefutable proof!"
"If this matter is discovered and spread by others, what will become of Master Xingchen's reputation? What will become of the purity of Buddhism? How furious will His Majesty be then?"
This is not merely a matter of private affairs and promiscuity, but also blasphemy against the gods, defilement of Buddhism, and contempt for divine authority!
Once this is exposed, Master Xingchen's years of cultivation and lifelong reputation will be ruined!
How could someone like him be dragged down by someone as filthy as the Chu family?!
How can we bear even the slightest criticism or stigma because of the Chu family?!