The Bodhisattva Arrives

Su Qing naturally had no idea what strange things Yudie and Morning Glory had been whispering to each other. She simply returned to the courtyard and sat there, gazing at the bright, clear moonlight. Occasionally, she wondered: as she looked at the moon from here, was someone on the moon looking back at her? If there was... it would probably be that rascal, Sister Chang'e, right?

"Maybe I should go visit Sister Chang'e in a few days?" Su Qing thought to herself as she stared at the brilliant moon. "Strange... I felt like the most important matters were over and life would be peaceful from now on. Why do I still feel so busy? Even if it's all for odd little things."

Thinking back, she really had been running here and there lately. Even the affairs of the Changbai Mountains had been temporarily set aside! "Hmm, why is that?" Su Qing was momentarily stunned. Her life was supposed to be more leisurely... how had it become more hectic? "Is it because of the people around me?" She pondered for a moment and found a clue. It likely was because of those close to her. "Still... this doesn't seem so bad. At least life isn't boring."

Su Qing smiled and murmured to herself, "Come to think of it, I've made quite a few friends without even realizing it." At that thought, she stood up and stretched. Then, she turned to see Morning Glory and the others returning together. Morning Glory's face still held a trace of heat, and her eyes slightly avoided Su Qing's gaze. This confused Su Qing—she wasn't sure what was wrong with the girl. Unable to figure it out, she didn't dwell on it. Besides, looking at her, she seemed to be avoiding her out of shyness. "Maybe I made her too embarrassed today?" Su Qing rubbed her chin, reaching a conclusion. She shook her head slightly, gave Yudie a few instructions, and prepared to head to her room to rest.

Inside the room, Su Qing drank a little wine by herself. Tonight, she was still alone in the room. Although she used to sleep with Leng Xiang or Ao Ying, she hadn't been sleeping with them since Morning Glory and the others arrived to avoid any unnecessary noise. After a small drink, Su Qing tucked herself into the blankets, ready for a good night's sleep. Drowsiness claimed her quickly, and before long, she was half-asleep.

Just as she was about to drift off, she suddenly felt someone slip into her covers. Su Qing's eyebrows twitched, and her brewing sleepiness vanished instantly. Who was it? Leng Xiang, Yudie, or Ao Ying? Regardless, one look would tell. Well, actually, the moment she was poked by two hard objects, she already knew who it was. Who else could it be but Ao Ying and her dragon horns?

Su Qing opened her eyes. As expected, she saw Ao Ying's head emerging from under the covers. Before Su Qing could speak, Ao Ying, who had just surfaced, pressed her thin lips firmly against Su Qing's. Su Qing was caught off guard but quickly steadied herself. The two were like an old married couple, so she could naturally handle Ao Ying's sudden attack. Their lips didn't part for a long time.

The person before her was blushing, a rare sight. Curious, Su Qing asked, "Can't wait to discuss the Great Dao with me so soon?"

"I wonder who it was that seduced me today?"

"Did I?"

"The hot springs."

"Hmm, does that count?"

"Why wouldn't it? You stirred this princess's desires, so naturally, you must pay a price." Ao Ying lay atop Su Qing, speaking with a serious expression.

Su Qing smiled and said, "Ah, pay a price? No problem at all. However... won't we disturb the others? It would be quite bad if we were heard."

"It's fine. When I came back, I already set up a sound-isolating array."

"Oh? You were that well-prepared?"

"Do you take this princess for someone reckless?"

"Of course not... but, is it really because I seduced you?"

"Of course..." Ao Ying went silent for a moment and nodded. In truth, she was lying. It wasn't just because she was seduced. It was more because of a sense of crisis. The person beneath her was simply... too fond of attracting other girls. If she didn't tie her down securely, someone would surely steal her away. Don't be fooled by Ao Ying's apparent indifference; even when it came to Su Qing and the Queen of Women's Kingdom, she had laughed it off, only mentioning a slight punishment. But she was a girl, after all. Even if she wasn't young, her heart was still exceptionally delicate. She worried about her partner being snatched away. So, she felt she had to do more. Only then could she prevent her from being taken by other women. She could accept sharing her beloved with Leng Xiang and the others, but she absolutely refused to lose her. That was her bottom line, her only bottom line.

Su Qing looked at Ao Ying in her arms and the flickering gaze in her eyes, sighing softly in her heart. She wasn't truly stupid. Having lived with her for centuries, how could she not understand what the girl was thinking? She stroked Ao Ying's ear and said, "Don't worry... we are already husband and wife. I can't run away."

"Mm..." Ao Ying nodded slightly after a moment of silence. Then, her hands and feet began to move restlessly. Ao Ying might have still had her doubts about Su Qing's words, but that didn't stop her from proceeding. After all, since things had already reached this point today, it would be a bit boring if nothing happened. She had made so many preparations! That night, the two of them discussed the Great Dao until dawn.

The next morning, both Ao Ying and Su Qing looked a bit drained. After all, studying all night would tire anyone out. Moreover, studying with a member of the dragon clan who had been celibate for nearly twenty years was even more exhausting. Su Qing yawned and walked out of the room, only to see Morning Glory chanting sutras. She didn't disturb her, intending to quietly prepare breakfast. However, as she passed behind Morning Glory, the girl suddenly stopped her chanting and turned to look at Su Qing.

Su Qing was slightly startled and asked, "Why did you stop?"

Morning Glory looked at Su Qing, and whatever she was thinking made her face turn bright red. "I... it's nothing." Morning Glory had originally summoned her courage to say she didn't want to be Su Qing's goddaughter anymore. But in the end, her reason held her back. For one, she was worried it would cause their current relationship to change. Secondly... the man's primary wife was still at home! If she said it directly, it would likely invite displeasure. Although Yudie said she didn't mind and would even be happy to see it, that didn't mean Yudie's mother or Ao Ying would feel the same! Not to mention Su Ying'er! So, she endured it, deciding to speak to her godmother alone when she had the chance. However, this meant her entire morning of mental preparation had gone to waste.

Su Qing didn't have the ability to read minds. Seeing Morning Glory's state, she simply nodded. Although it was strange, Morning Glory had many strange moments, so she didn't pay it much mind. In her heart, Morning Glory's status was similar to Yudie's—both were her dear daughters. She had no special designs on her, so she naturally didn't think the girl had any special designs on her. After all, she was her goddaughter!

"I see. I thought you were feeling unwell," Su Qing said with a smile. "But since you're done chanting, go play in the courtyard for a while. I'll go make breakfast for you all."

Morning Glory nodded silently. Once Su Qing left, she pressed her hand against her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. "Ugh... it's all Sister Yudie's fault." Ever since Morning Glory heard Yudie's whispers, certain thoughts had been surging uncontrollably in her heart. It was precisely because of those whispers that this morning's awkwardness had occurred.

Su Qing, unaware of all this, walked into the kitchen. The kitchen was Leng Xiang's domain. When she entered, Leng Xiang was already preparing breakfast. "I didn't expect to be a step slower than you," Su Qing said with a smile as she walked up behind Leng Xiang. "What are we having this morning?"

"Oil-spilled noodles." Leng Xiang's answer was always simple, but as if worried it was too brief, she added, "If Master doesn't like them, I can make something else."

"No need. It's been a while since I've had them. Oil-spilled noodles it is! Besides, I have absolute confidence in Leng Xiang's culinary skills," Su Qing replied cheerfully. Leng Xiang's knife work and cooking were never things to worry about. After all, she had been cooking for hundreds of years. Hearing this, the corners of Leng Xiang's mouth curled up, and she nodded. "Does Master want to help?"

"As long as you don't think I'm getting in the way."

"How could I ever think Master is in the way?" The two of them chatted while preparing breakfast as they always did, eventually bringing it to the table. Once at the table, Leng Xiang couldn't help but feel curious. Why did Ao Ying, who was usually so energetic in the morning, look so tired today? Did she not sleep well last night? Leng Xiang's brow twitched as she glanced at her Master... then she silently bit her lower lip. She felt like she had missed a great opportunity. However, she didn't dwell on it too much. Opportunities were always there. Once Morning Glory left, she could be as bold as she wanted. Thus, Leng Xiang said nothing and showed no emotion.

After breakfast, Yudie pulled Morning Glory and Ying'er out to play, and the sparrows followed along since they had nothing better to do. Leng Xiang and Ao Ying each had matters to attend to, while Jingyue was relatively free, sitting in the courtyard to meditate and cultivate. Everyone had their tasks, and Su Qing planned to handle some accumulated business—mostly official duties from the Changbai Mountains. While these weren't particularly urgent, finishing them early would make things easier later.

The day passed quickly, and soon it was dusk. By then, Su Qing had finished most of her work and was sitting in the courtyard enjoying the cool breeze. It was then that she suddenly sensed a Buddhist light in the distance. Seeing the light, she raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I wonder which Bodhisattva has come."

Regardless of which Bodhisattva it was, she had to meet them; there was no hiding. After a short wait, Su Qing saw who it was. It was none other than Guanyin Bodhisattva, dressed in a white robe and holding her Jade Pure Vase. Beside her was a young girl with a pair of small horns, clear-featured and unadorned, wearing a blue dress—the Pearl-Bearing Dragon Girl.

Seeing Guanyin Bodhisattva and the Pearl-Bearing Dragon Girl, Su Qing roughly guessed their intent. They were likely here to take Morning Glory back to the Purple Bamboo Grove. "Greetings, Senior Guanyin," Su Qing said, bowing to the Bodhisattva.

Guanyin Bodhisattva walked barefoot, her every step blooming with lotuses, as she descended from the air to stand before Su Qing. "Little friend, we meet again."

Su Qing nodded slightly and then asked the purpose of the visit. She didn't intend to waste time on pleasantries and went straight to the point.

"One of the reasons I am here, you likely already know, so I shall say no more. The second is that I have some words I wish to speak with you. The third is that my disciple has something she wishes to ask of you."

Ever since Su Qing finished the pilgrimage, Guanyin had become much more candid with her. Except for things that absolutely could not be said, she was willing to share most things directly. However, Guanyin's words still surprised Su Qing. She didn't know what the Pearl-Bearing Dragon Girl wanted with her. Moreover, she found it strange—hadn't Guanyin always been worried she would lure the Dragon Girl away? Why was she willing to let the girl seek her out now? Was Guanyin the type to deliberately test a pit she knew might be there?

Actually, Su Qing felt that Guanyin simply loved her disciples too much, making it hard for her to refuse their requests. Much like herself... she often wanted to refuse Yudie's unreasonable demands, but in the end, she would find an excuse to agree. Thinking of this, Su Qing felt she and Guanyin were somewhat alike. But she quickly snapped out of it.

"Is the Bodhisattva truly here to take Morning Glory away?"

"Indeed."

"But I am curious, what is it the Bodhisattva wishes to say to me?" Su Qing thought for a moment and decided to get straight to the point.

Guanyin looked at Su Qing, then took the willow branch from her Jade Pure Vase and gave it a light wave, instantly isolating all sound from the surroundings. Well, it seemed these words were not meant for others to hear.