336: Chapter 116 Duan Yu Wants to Become a Monk

Facing A Zi's accusations, Duan Yu was speechless.

Duan Zhengchun was the same, and at the same time, he felt guilty and wanted to know more about Ruan Xingzhu's current situation.

Therefore, even though he knew he might be scolded and embarrassed, he still braced himself and asked, "How is A Xing doing now?"

Upon hearing this, A Zi wanted to retort, but was stopped by A Zhu, who couldn't bear to watch.

Subsequently, A Zhu opened her lips and replied, "My mother is living with A Zi and me now, and she is doing very well, so Duke Duan need not worry."

Hearing A Zhu call him "Duke Duan," Duan Zhengchun's eyes dimmed slightly.

But upon learning that Ruan Xingzhu was safe, he immediately recovered and replied softly, "That is good."

Then, he asked again, "Then when will she return to Xiao Jing Lake?"

A Zi said without hesitation, "My mother will live in Canhe Village from now on and will not return to Xiao Jing Lake."

Duan Zhengchun was stunned and asked in astonishment, "Why?"

"Why?" A Zi sneered, then said proudly, "Of course, because Canhe Village is better!"

"Living in Canhe Village, she doesn't have to worry about food, clothing, or daily expenses, and she has my sister and me to keep her company and chat with."

"If she returns to Xiao Jing Lake, not only does she have to busy herself with her own food, clothing, and daily expenses, but she also has no one to keep her company. She can only guard an empty house all alone and live on memories; what is the point of that? Not to mention that the place has already been exposed. If your enemies come knocking again, what do you expect her to do?"

"Disfigure herself again?"

"Or die there without anyone asking about her?"

Duan Zhengchun was speechless.

He really wanted to say that Xiao Jing Lake was his and Ruan Xingzhu's love nest, which held their beautiful memories.

If she returned there, he would visit her from time to time and take care of her, just as he always had.

But thinking of his current situation, as well as the life Ruan Xingzhu had in Canhe Village that A Zi described, these words were stuck in his throat.

Not to mention anything else, just in terms of companionship, he couldn't compare.

As long as A Zhu and A Zi were free, they could frequently keep Ruan Xingzhu company.

Whereas he only visited Ruan Xingzhu at Xiao Jing Lake occasionally even when he was in good health, and now that he had limited mobility, the frequency of his visits would likely only be lower.

As for bringing Ruan Xingzhu into Town South Kings Manor...

He couldn't get past Dao Baifeng.

When Duan Zhengming was on the throne, Duan Zhengchun was already blocked and didn't dare to do so.

Now that Duan Yu had ascended the throne and Dao Baifeng had become the Empress Dowager of Dali, the Baiyi Tribe had become increasingly powerful, and Duan Zhengchun was crippled, he had even less confidence to do so.

Gan Baobao taking care of him in the manor was all done under the guise of accompanying her daughter, Zhong Ling, to fulfill filial piety. Even so, Gan Baobao did not live in Town South Kings Manor, but went in during the day and came out at night, staying with Zhong Ling in the Princess's Manor.

Therefore, Duan Zhengchun was silent for a few seconds, then said with a bitter face, "What you say makes sense; she is better off living in Canhe Village than at Xiao Jing Lake."

"It was my lack of consideration."

After saying this, his spirit weakened a little.

Because if Ruan Xingzhu lived in Canhe Village in the future, it would be difficult for him to see her again.

After all, Dali was not close to Suzhou, and he had limited mobility.

But what else could he do?

He was already crippled; let alone reliving old dreams, even his daily eating, drinking, and toileting required help from others.

Ruan Xingzhu living in Canhe Village with two daughters for company was better than growing old alone at Xiao Jing Lake.

The matter came to an end here.

Meng Li and his group continued down the mountain.

Duan Yu and the others, because they were going the same way, hurried to catch up.

Walking on the road, Duan Yu saw that Duan Zhengchun was downcast and unhappy, felt unbearable, and wanted to do something.

But thinking that the other party involved in this matter was his mother, Dao Baifeng, he felt a sense of powerlessness again.

As a son, being caught between parents was naturally difficult.

Not to mention that he actually favored his mother in his heart.

Therefore, the thought of helping Duan Zhengchun just swirled in Duan Yu's mind and then disappeared.

Turning back, he felt that he couldn't even relieve his father's worries, and being this monarch was meaningless.

Then, he glanced at Wang Yuyan and saw that her eyes were full of Meng Li, without even a sliver of attention on himself. Thinking again that he and she were siblings, he couldn't help but feel increasingly disheartened.

Family, love, nothing was satisfying.

As for friendship...

Duan Yu had few friends he could confide in since childhood, and now that he had ascended to the throne, a bosom friend had become even more of a luxury.

Monarchs calling themselves "the lonely one" was not just empty talk, but a fact.

For a moment, Duan Yu felt that life was bleak and the mundane world was boring; it wasn't as interesting as pondering Buddhist scriptures and discussing Buddhist philosophy with high monks in the temple before.

Once this thought emerged, he suddenly had the idea of becoming a monk.

But then, Duan Yu thought that he had no successor, and if he became a monk, there would be no one to inherit the throne, making it difficult to answer to Duan Zhengchun, Duan Zhengming, and others.

Therefore, he had to suppress the impulse and instead thought about returning this time, welcoming Gao Mei into the palace, and striving to have her give birth to an heir as soon as possible, to raise and train them to take over the throne.

By that time, he could escape the cage and focus on pursuing freedom in Buddhist scriptures, but...

That would still take many years; it was so hard to endure.

If only someone would suddenly jump out and seize this throne.

As soon as this crazy thought popped up, Duan Yu extinguished it, because this matter was truly absurd.

But what he didn't expect was that this absurd thing would soon play out.

...

Meng Li and his group went down the mountain with Duan Yu and the others. Seeing that it was late, they didn't rush to leave, but went to an Inn to eat, then prepared to return to the courtyard they had rented to rest for the night and leave tomorrow.

In the process, Meng Li discovered that there were quite a few Beggars Sect Disciples scattered around the town, behaving unusually.

He thought about it and didn't pay it any mind.

He had no great feud with the Beggars Sect, and the Beggars Sect had nothing worth him fearing.

However, after Meng Li's group and Duan Yu's group returned to the courtyard, several nearby Beggars Sect Disciples quietly left.

They twisted and turned, entering another courtyard.

"Chief, the people you asked us to watch have come down the mountain. As you expected, they didn't leave immediately, but found a courtyard to stay in."

"We have also confirmed the courtyard; it is Courtyard No. 6 and Courtyard No. 12 on North Lane, West Street in this town."

Quan Guanqing immediately showed joy on his face and said happily, "Very good!"

A moment later, Quan Guanqing sneaked into another courtyard and saw several acquaintances in the room.

Jiumozhi, Duan Yanqing, Ye Erniang, Third Elder Yue.

As soon as he entered, Quan Guanqing smiled and said, "Everyone, the target has appeared; let's start our operation."

"Wait a moment."