Volume One: The Young Monk Returns to the Secular World Chapter Seventy-Nine: The Mid-Autumn Festival (Part One)

August 15th.

The grain sent by the court has yet to be used, for the supplies donated by the wealthy households are not yet exhausted. The disaster victims are beginning to regain their vitality, settling into peaceful lives and productive work.

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and naturally, the city is filled with joy and festivity, lanterns adorning every corner.

Qin Residence.

Qin Shirong was in his study, drafting memorials to the throne. He had revised them several times, yet remained unsatisfied.

Sighing and shaking his head, he allowed himself a faint smile, walked to the window, and gazed down at the lively streets outside.

All of this seemed almost unreal.

Only five days ago, the city was shrouded in deathly silence, and now it flourished with vigor and hope.

“Truly a young talent... The Xiao family has raised a remarkable son...” Qin Shirong murmured with a gentle smile.

After a moment's observation, he returned to his desk and began a new memorial.

Just then, a servant reported that Li Guo had come to call.

Soon, Li Guo entered, his voice preceding him, “Lord Qin, congratulations!”

“Haha... Lord Li, what is there to celebrate?” Qin Shirong smiled, setting his brush aside.

“You haven’t been out lately, have you? The story of the disaster relief has spread far and wide—wealthy households were inflating prices, and you, through brilliant strategy, secured food for the victims... The storytellers recite these tales everywhere,” Li Guo said with a chuckle.

“Wait, Lord Li, you know as well as I do... This wasn't my merit... I merely...” Qin Shirong shook his head at this thought and continued, “I did nothing... You know the truth...”

Li Guo burst into hearty laughter.

“Are you making fun of me, Lord Li?” Qin Shirong was not offended, stroking his beard as he spoke.

“But what of this Xiao Yan... What do you plan to do?” Li Guo asked, his tone suddenly serious.

“He is not easily described. I’ve written three memorials, and every time his name comes up, I find myself unable to proceed,” Qin Shirong replied, furrowing his brow.

“Are you concerned about something?” Li Guo asked, his brow knit.

“Xiao Yan is indeed a talent, but his methods are rather extreme... You and I may not mind, but I worry about His Majesty...” Qin Shirong nodded thoughtfully.

“Indeed.” Li Guo nodded, lost in contemplation. “But Xiao Yan saved everyone. No matter what, I believe he should be reported to the court. He is the true hero.”

“Yes, I think so too. We are indebted to him this time. Without him, the wealthy would never have donated grain...” Qin Shirong frowned, glancing at the prosperous scene outside. “They wouldn’t have enjoyed this Mid-Autumn Festival either...”

“Then let’s report it together, a joint memorial! It would be a pity if Xiao Yan doesn’t become an official and serve the people,” Li Guo said, stirred by excitement.

“It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? A youth of seventeen or eighteen wielding such skill. But Lord Li, would you have believed it had you not seen it yourself?” Qin Shirong mused.

“Indeed, Lord Qin, you misjudged him at first... Haha... The young truly are formidable.”

“So, I worry His Majesty won’t believe us either. And you know how recommendations work—the intrigue at court, if handled poorly, could affect his future, and we might inadvertently harm him...” Qin Shirong said, his concern deepening.

“Yes, that’s true... But what should we do?” Li Guo nodded in agreement.

Qin Shirong pondered in silence for a while before speaking, “I think it’s best not to report it for now. The matter is grave. But we must give him a nudge, have him sit for the imperial examination... That way, we can look after him...”

“Hmm, that makes sense...” Li Guo agreed, then asked, “So, we won’t mention Xiao Yan at all?”

“Not quite. We can be subtle. If Xiao Yan proves himself—earns some achievements—the credit for his disaster relief will serve him well,” Qin Shirong replied with a smile.

“Haha... Lord Qin, you are truly wise... Let’s do as you say...” Li Guo agreed, but then recalled a rumor and asked tentatively, “Lord Qin, I heard you were once on good terms with Xiao Zhan?”

“Haha... Betrothal by decree... You mean that, don’t you?” Qin Shirong said, smiling proudly.

“But Xiao Yan is a monk... He shouldn’t be able to marry, right?” Li Guo asked, puzzled.

“That’s no problem, haha... I have my ways. He won’t escape...” Qin Shirong said, a sly smile crossing his face.

...

In another room, Qin Xuanxuan was staring at a sheet of rice paper inscribed with clumsy handwriting, her brows lightly furrowed.

By the dim candlelight, her profile glowed with a rosy hue—high nose, small lips, truly beautiful...

On the paper was Xiao Yan’s handwriting, a rendition of “Song of the Wine.” Qin Xuanxuan savored the poem’s mood again and again, growing ever more impressed.

Especially after the events of the disaster relief, Xiao Yan, the young monk, often drifted into her thoughts.

“Annoying...” Qin Xuanxuan bit her lips softly, murmuring to herself.

“Miss, it’s time for your bath and change of clothes.” The maid, Jiang Xiaoyue, entered carrying a stack of garments and spoke gently.

“Isn’t it a bit early today?” Qin Xuanxuan asked quietly, her brow furrowed.

“Miss, have you forgotten? It’s Mid-Autumn Festival... You’re attending the poetry gathering tonight...” Jiang Xiaoyue said, blinking her large eyes.

“Mm.” Qin Xuanxuan nodded, allowing Jiang Xiaoyue to help her undress.

Yet her gaze remained fixed on the sheet atop the desk.

Jiang Xiaoyue seemed to notice her mistress’s distraction and remarked, “Miss, his handwriting is terribly ugly, isn’t it? Luckily, he’s a monk and can’t marry. Otherwise, your happiness would be ruined.”

“Xiaoyue...” Qin Xuanxuan stepped into the bath, sprinkled petals over herself, and then said, “Would you tell me more about him?”

“Yes, miss, don’t worry. As long as he doesn’t return to secular life, you can marry someone else...” Jiang Xiaoyue continued.

“Xiaoyue, don’t say such things again...” Qin Xuanxuan’s expression changed, displeased. “Actually, he doesn’t seem so bad...”

“Not so bad? Miss, you don’t know. I’ve heard he eats meat even at Jinshan Temple... He uses any means to pass trials... Even tricked the Eighteen Arhats into breaking their vows with pork powder...” Jiang Xiaoyue said.

As Qin Xuanxuan’s personal maid, she was bold in her speech, for her mistress seldom showed temper.

PS: Sorting through another side story. For now, one update a day. Starting next month, updates will resume twice daily.