Meng Jianqing again glanced at the sunlight outside the window, calculated the time briefly, then turned to Master Wuse: “I will report to Minister Shen that Master Liu has taken monastic vows at Wanfo Temple with the dharma name Seven Treasure; Wanfo Temple has substantial surplus from years of incense donations, and the master is willing to donate it to the nation to fund northern frontier military expenses—of course, Minister Shen will request imperial commendation for the master and Wanfo Temple. What does the master think?”

He wanted to conclude such a major case this way?

Master Wuse was greatly surprised, while Yun Yanjiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Liu Muyan looked at Meng Jianqing in confusion, his expression shifting between light and dark.

Would the Imperial Guard be satisfied with just seizing this one treasury at Wanfo Temple? What exactly did they want?

Meng Jianqing said blandly, “His Majesty can tolerate Zhang Dingbian becoming a monk and staying out of worldly affairs—can’t he also tolerate Seven Treasure Child doing the same?”

Master Wuse’s expression gradually softened as he called out softly: “Seventh Brother.”

Liu Muyan was filled with unwillingness, but facing Master Wuse’s pleading gaze and thin, weary face, his heart wavered again.

He knew that every effort he had made over these years was destined to fail. The only consolation was that each failed attempt would bring new troubles to that person high above.

Should he continue this doomed struggle, or should he set everything aside and accompany Master Wuse to slowly age and die in these silent mountains?

If he no longer looked, listened, or thought about the world’s injustices, could he slowly forget the resentment and dissatisfaction in his heart?

Yun Yanjiao said softly at this moment: “Has Master Liu already guessed the reason my brother and I came to Quanzhou?”

So that’s why he had struck at the Long and Chen families, who were crucial to their purpose.

Liu Muyan suddenly turned to stare directly at her. Master Wuse’s expression changed dramatically, his pale face flushing faintly with excitement, as if unable to believe it. He looked at her and asked in a low voice: “What reason?”

Yun Yanjiao smiled gracefully: “Hasn’t the master already guessed? Isn’t this also the master’s early wish?”

Master Wuse exhaled deeply and murmured: “If it’s truly so—if it’s truly so—I knew you came to Quanzhou, but I didn’t dare believe it, didn’t dare think in that direction, otherwise—”

He gazed abstractedly at the southern sky, his expression shifting constantly, as if all past events suddenly flooded his mind, leaving him with mixed feelings and confused emotions. Liu Muyan’s expression, however, was quite ugly. He had guessed the Yun siblings’ purpose but hadn’t told Wuse, which was how he had been able to borrow that copper-head snake. Would Wuse blame him? Would he be disappointed or even resentful?

After a long time, Master Wuse calmed down, his expression even showing some relief and joy: “Seven Treasure, stay here. We brothers haven’t seen each other for so many years—it’s rare to have this opportunity to reunite. If you won’t be idle, Wanfo Temple has extensive properties that could let you try your skills.”

Liu Muyan’s mind buzzed as he staggered slightly.

Wuse had always been an agreeable old fellow, compliant in everything, letting him manipulate almost everything—but once Wuse made up his mind, no one could change it.

He protected him, but at the same time wanted to confine him in these deep mountains, to grow old here, here-no matter how extensive Wanfo Temple’s properties were, how could they compare to the vast world where fish could leap freely in the ocean and birds could fly freely in the sky?

If he insisted on not staying, what would Wuse do?

Liu Muyan stared blankly at Master Wuse’s expectant face and resolute eyes. Though filled with unwillingness, he couldn’t say the word “no” no matter what.

Meng Jianqing and Yun Yanjiao exchanged glances, then Meng Jianqing said: “Master, please—”

Master Wuse stood up, spread his robe sleeves, gripped Liu Muyan’s right wrist, and led him out of the meditation room.

As they were about to leave the courtyard, Meng Jianqing hesitated, then said to Liu Muyan: “Master Liu, you understand Long Yan’s importance to Quanzhou, don’t you?”

Liu Muyan blurted out: “Naturally. That Long family girl, though she only knows how to spend money, truly spends it with skill—money flows like water, flowing water doesn’t rot. She sees through this principle clearly than anyone. Without such a girl spending money like water, probably a third of Quanzhou’s shops would have to close—”

He suddenly started and stared wide-eyed: “Who else sees it this way? Is that why you tracked me down?”

Meng Jianqing smiled slightly: “Master Liu, each generation produces its talented people.”

Liu Muyan was stunned.

So the later waves of the Yangtze push forward the earlier waves, this swiftly and cruelly.

His unwillingness to let his ambitions die was suddenly reduced to ashes in this instant.

Meng Jianqing coldly watched his expression turn ashen in a moment. For the proud Liu Muyan, this was probably the final, most fatal blow.