Chapter 442: The Romance of the Western Chamber

"Moonlight stretches across the sky, flower shadows fill the courtyard. I incline my ear to listen, treading softly as I walk. Climbing the rockery, I wait by the corner of the wall — waiting for my neat and graceful, slender and lovely Miss Yingying..."

An actor was singing in the main hall.

Liu Minyou knew exactly what those two were up to. He could not be bothered with people who lacked the mountaineering spirit. In this era, Mount Tai had no tourism bureau to manage it. After the inn at the foot of the mountain collected the mountain entry silver, there were no other fees. Along the mountain path, some carrying-pole vendors sold incense, candles, and paper offerings. Their group bought some, carried by Sha Monk and the other guards.

They burned incense at several temples along the way. Although Liu Minyou did not really believe in gods and ghosts, he still joined in bowing to the Buddhas. The whole way, he and the guards looked after the two women, keeping them from stumbling.

It was past noon when they finally passed through the Southern Heavenly Gate and reached the Jade Emperor Summit. Liu Minyou, panting, climbed to the top and gazed out at the multitude of mountains below. The vastness of heaven and earth suddenly filled his heart with ease.

Wang Daixi had never climbed a mountain this high. She was utterly exhausted, but she insisted on reaching the summit by herself without anyone's support. Leaning on the railing, she panted heavily, yet her spirits were high, her face flushed as she looked at the boundless, hazy land in the distance.

Wang Erya still had energy. After a short rest, she wandered around everywhere. The guards brought out dry rations and coconut ladles for the superiors to eat, then dispersed around the area. There was no danger here, so they also took in the scenery.

Liu Minyou said to Wang Daixi, "Daixi, have you ever been to a great mountain like this before?"

"This is the very first time," Wang Daixi said, smiling happily.

"Then are you enjoying yourself?"

"I am. It would be nice if we could come out more often in the future."

Liu Minyou smiled and said, "When we're old, we'll call Hai Gouzi, Zhang Dahui and the others, and Master Chen's family too. We'll bring silver and travel without a care, visiting all the beautiful sights under heaven."

"Really?" Wang Daixi's eyes were full of longing.

Liu Minyou sighed and said, "That's what I wish, but everyone has so many things to do. Forget traveling — I haven't even seen Dahui for a long time."

"I haven't seen Brother Dahui for a long time either. Hai Gouzi is always running around with Master Chen, so I never see him normally. Brother Liu, I still prefer our days in Tianjin. We didn't have much silver then, but we were happy every day."

Liu Minyou laughed ruefully. "People always grow up. Maybe for Dahui, the life he has now in the capital is what he truly wants. Erhui has always wanted to join the army. As for that Hai Gouzi, no need to mention him — he's happily foolish every day, it's the same for him wherever he is."

At the mention of Hai Gouzi, Wang Daixi laughed for a while. The two leaned against the railing and said nothing more. Mountain winds gusted past, and a light snow began to drift again on the summit. The tiny snowflakes settled on Wang Daixi's blue fox-fur hat, complementing the white fox-fur coat she wore, adorning her like a spirit in the snow.

"Mm..."

Liu Minyou turned his head and glanced at her strangely. Wang Daixi's face was flushed, and she stopped speaking. Liu Minyou shrugged his shoulders, tilted his head back, and exhaled puffs of white breath, watching them dissipate into the air.

After they stood there for half a quarter of an hour, the cold began to seep into their bodies. Over on the other side, Wang Erya was calling for them to hurry up and walk around, then head down the mountain early.

Liu Minyou said to Wang Daixi, "Let's go."

Wang Daixi did not move. Liu Minyou leaned over curiously to look at her and saw her lying on the railing, staring at the snowy ground. He stretched out a hand and waved it in front of her face. "Daixi, let's hurry and go, or we'll freeze. Are you cold? I still have an extra coat here."

Wang Daixi suddenly looked up at him. "Brother Liu, I have something I want to tell you."

"Go ahead," Liu Minyou said with a cheerful smile.

"What's gotten into that girl, walking so fast down the mountain?" Wang Erya turned her head and asked Liu Minyou, who was behind her, "Mister Liu, did you two have a fight or something? She won't even answer when I call her."

Liu Minyou hemmed and hawed a few replies, stealing a glance at the figure ahead. Wang Erya rolled her eyes at Liu Minyou and took a step forward to chase after Wang Daixi.

Two guards also ran after her. Sha Monk stayed blankly beside Liu Minyou and asked him, "My lord, wasn't everything fine on the way up? Why is it like this on the way down? Is she upset because we urged her to walk faster?"

"Maybe so. She's never been to a place this beautiful before," Liu Minyou casually fobbed him off with a few words.

"Miss Wang must think this mountain isn't much to look at," Sha Monk muttered.

"Perhaps," Liu Minyou lowered his head and muttered curses under his breath, "Why read The Romance of the Western Chamber? If I'd known, I'd have read Journey to the West." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian to cast your votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at...)

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