TSWRLM -Chapter 174 Another Confrontation

Yunshan Temple was crowded with worshippers, and its abbot was highly respected—even the Emperor showed him a degree of deference.

Though the monks upheld kindness and compassion, if anyone dared to cause trouble in the temple, the warrior monks—strong as iron—would seize them and send them to the Discipline Hall for severe punishment, regardless of status.

Wei Lingze did not dare to search openly. Instead, he quietly used his lightness skills to move through the temple in secret.

Yet after searching for quite some time, he found neither Lanshu nor the masked youth—nor Xiao Qinghe and Princess Hengyang.

The longer he searched, the more anxious he became.

Reason told him to stay calm. Even if He’er were interested in that substitute from Wuyou Pavilion, she would never engage in something improper with such a man.

But his mind kept conjuring images—of that male attendant kneeling before her, fawning and flattering.

Unlike his own recent roughness and cruelty, that man would be gentle and submissive, willing to do anything to please a patron. What woman, neglected and mistreated by her husband, could resist that?

And Wuyou Pavilion had all kinds of aphrodisiacs… what if He’er had fallen victim to one and that man took advantage of her?

The thoughts grew more vivid and suggestive. Wei Lingze’s heart burned with urgency.

By now, he had completely forgotten that this information came from Mo Yunwan—and might very well be a trap set by Chun Xi. All he could think about was finding Xiao Qinghe, taking her home, and never letting her out again—never letting her come into contact with anyone from Wuyou Pavilion.

So where exactly was He’er?

Clenching his teeth in frustration, his gaze suddenly caught a figure darting past a corner.

The clothing looked somewhat like Quezhi’s.

Wei Lingze immediately gave chase—but in the blink of an eye, “Quezhi” vanished.

He frowned, sensing something wrong—when suddenly, a woman’s cry came from not far away.

He’er!

All doubts vanished. He rushed toward the source of the sound.

Soon, a quiet meditation courtyard came into view.

Guards stood outside, dressed like those who accompanied Princess Hengyang.

This was the place.

A sharp glint flashed in Wei Lingze’s eyes. He had intended to bypass the guards and enter directly, but they quickly noticed him and blocked his path.

“Our master has ordered: trespassers will die!”

More than a dozen guards surrounded him. At the same time, laughter and breathy sounds came from inside the courtyard.

“Don’t… I’m shy…”

Killing intent surged around Wei Lingze. His eyes reddened as he drew his sword and fought the guards.

Consumed by rage, even over a dozen guards couldn’t stop him.

About the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Wei Lingze—wounded and holding a bloodstained sword—forced his way into the courtyard and headed straight for the tightly shut meditation room.

Just as he raised his hand to push the door open—

It suddenly swung open.

A flash of cold steel—Xiao Yechen, wearing a mask, burst out and attacked.

Wei Lingze quickly retreated, but his cheek was still cut.

A mere imitation dared to kill the original?

His anger reached its peak, and he immediately counterattacked.

But as they fought, Wei Lingze grew increasingly alarmed.

Many of this impostor’s moves were identical to his own.

This person knew him—and had been secretly observing him for years. Otherwise, it would be impossible to imitate him so precisely.

So had this man also coveted He’er for a long time?

When had he started approaching her? What face lay beneath that mask? When had He’er learned of his existence?

Countless questions flooded his mind. His swordplay faltered.

Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Yechen kicked his wrist, knocking the sword from his hand, and pressed his blade against Wei Lingze’s throat.

The outcome was decided.

He had lost.

Wei Lingze clenched his teeth, glaring at the provocative, triumphant eyes beneath the mask. He didn’t believe this man would truly dare kill him.

“Filthy dog—get lost!”

Xiao Yechen did not move. With a slight twist of his wrist, he cut Wei Lingze’s neck—proving he dared.

The sting at his throat enraged Wei Lingze. Just as he was about to lose control, a cold, authoritative voice sounded: “Wei Lingze, you’ve killed my guards and trespassed into my courtyard—what exactly are you trying to do?”

Wei Lingze stiffened, turning his head in disbelief.

There stood Prince Ying, his face icy.

Behind him, Lanshu clutched his sleeve, eyes brimming with tears like an innocent rabbit.

“Young Master Wei, last time I really didn’t mean to sprinkle the soul-stealing incense on you—you bumped into me yourself, and many people saw it. Why have you chased me all the way here to kill me?”

Unlike before, Lanshu’s voice was soft and delicate, almost like a woman’s. At first, it even resembled Xiao Qinghe’s—but on closer listening, it wasn’t.

Wei Lingze felt as though struck by lightning.

Looking again at Xiao Yechen, even the face beneath the mask no longer resembled his own.

At this moment, Wei Lingze finally realized he had fallen into a trap.

But before he could explain, the temple’s warrior monks arrived to protect Prince Ying. Meanwhile, Shen Qingyu—who had been about to be taken to the Discipline Hall—took advantage of the chaos and rushed over.

Without clearly seeing the situation, Shen Qingyu spotted Wei Lingze and felt emboldened. He shouted loudly: “What a shameless adulterous pair! To dare commit such filthy acts in a sacred place—I’ll tie you up and parade you through the streets today, then drown you in a pig cage!”

His shouting drew many worshippers to watch.

Prince Ying’s expression turned completely dark.

Being disturbed was one thing—but being publicly accused like this was another. Where was his dignity?

“Insolence! Who gave you the courage to speak so wildly before me?”

He strode forward and knocked Shen Qingyu to the ground with a single punch.

Dazed, Shen Qingyu spoke faster than he could think. He looked at Wei Lingze and asked: “Where’s Madam Wei? Wasn’t she with Cao Chun Xi?”

Idiot!

Wei Lingze wished he could stab him on the spot.

As expected, after hearing this, Prince Ying let out a cold laugh.

“So, Young Master Wei came to catch his own new wife in the act? The courtyard here houses male guests. Since you’ve lost your way, I’ll personally take you to the women’s quarters.”

“Your Highness, this is a misunderstanding,” Wei Lingze hurriedly explained, glaring at Lanshu and Xiao Yechen. “They deliberately set a trap to lure me here. I had no intention of offending Your Highness.”

But Prince Ying refused to listen. Grabbing Wei Lingze, he strode toward the women’s meditation courtyard.

“No need to rush your explanation. Once we meet Madam Wei, you’ll have plenty of time to explain!”

Most of Prince Ying’s guards had been killed or injured by Wei Lingze, their bodies still lying on the ground. The temple’s warrior monks could not easily intervene and could only send someone to inform the abbot.

The worshippers, having never seen such commotion in the temple, all followed along.

Before long, the crowd arrived in grand procession at the courtyard where Princess Hengyang was staying.