The child was too young, and Xue Niang disagreed, so the matter was temporarily put aside.
However, after not being home for long, the two little ones ran away from home, leaving behind a crookedly written letter saying they were going to find their third uncle.
Yu Liu and Yu Shan followed them from afar, asking Xiao Shan how to handle it.
"It's fine for them to go out and experience the world before they officially take a master, to understand human relationships and the difficulties of life early on," Xiao Shan said.
"But they are only four years old!" Xue Niang was frantic. "Quick, have Yu Liu bring them back! This time I'm really going to give them a good scolding. They truly have no idea how high the sky is or how deep the earth is."
"Can you bear to? When they return, you'll fuss over them again. Don't worry, don't treat them as four-year-olds. They can handle any adult man in the village. They are very proficient in using poisons, and Bei Yue has also learned some life-saving skills from me. Besides, third brother gave them protective charms! They are also as clever as little sprites. Let them go, it's better than them causing trouble in the village."
"Xiao Shan! Are you talking about your own children?"
"I'm wrong, I'm wrong. I mean, don't worry. Yu Liu is with them, nothing will happen. Just have them report back regularly."
Xiao Shan was right. Soon, Yu Liu sent a message: the two little ones had poisoned over a dozen bandits and were being worshipped as little deities by the villagers.
Then they handed over the three thieves who had stolen their money bags to the authorities.
Later, they were tricked into a pleasure house. When Yu Liu and Yu Shan entered, everyone in the room was slumped on the ground. Little Bei Yue was dragging his beloved pet, a venomous lizard, and was speaking in a childish voice: "The ways of the petty man lead to his own downfall."
Little Bei Shang was eating a chicken leg, her mouth greasy.
This day, the two little ones arrived in the capital.
The capital was so big, so prosperous, and so crowded.
"Didn't Auntie live in the capital before? Do you know which family it was?"
"I think it was called the Huang family."
There were many Huang families, so it might not be easy to find them. The two stood at the city gate, contemplating, when they saw crowds of people leaving the city with goods.
"Hurry, hurry, there are too many people. Let's go early to get a good spot. Today is the first time the Master will preach after his return. It's a rare opportunity."
The two little ones followed the crowd out of the city and understood that a very powerful master was going to give a lecture today!
"Let's go listen to how people in the capital lecture."
Little Bei Shang wasn't very interested. "What's so good about it? He's just an old man."
"You can't just think about eating, drinking, and having fun. You need to broaden your horizons. Mother's health isn't good, so she can't travel far. We have to tell her about it when we get back, to make her happy too."
That made sense.
The two followed a group of people to the Du Sheng Pagoda.
Then they followed the crowd to offer incense and pay respects to Buddha, watching a plump old monk preach scriptures amidst the swirling smoke.
Later, out of boredom, they were led to a meditation room by a young monk.
On the meditation cushion in the room sat a young monk, who was very handsome, more handsome than their father, and more handsome than their fair-skinned uncle.
Moreover, his eyes were as vast as the sky, making one feel very comfortable.
Little Bei Shang felt a bit regretful. "You're so handsome, and you could surely find a wife. Why did you become a monk?"
The monk was stunned, then couldn't help but laugh, his eyes softening.
*Isn't it precisely because I couldn't marry your mother that I became a monk?*
"Little Bei Yue, Little Bei Shang."
"Huh? How do you know us?"
This was their first time here!
Little Bei Yue had already secretly placed his hand on his beloved pet in his embrace. Well, one must guard against others, even though this monk seemed very approachable.
"I know your mother. I even held you when you were born!"
He was smiling happily, a smile of genuine joy, unlike the monk lecturing outside, who seemed fake.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My monastic name is Wu Nian. You can call me Master Wu Nian."
"Master Wu Nian, you are all alone here, with no one to talk to. Aren't you lonely? Are they keeping you locked up?"
Wu Nian laughed again, tears welling up in his eyes. He stroked Little Bei Shang's head and said softly, "I am a bit lonely. Can you stay here for one night and keep me company?"
Outside the incense hall, the young monk who had led Bei Yue and Bei Shang into the hall approached Yu Liu and Yu Shan.
"Benefactors, Master Wu Nian wishes to keep the two young benefactors for the night. Please rest assured."
Wu Nian.
Had he let go, or was he still longing?
Yu Liu and Yu Shan left the pagoda.
"Should we report to the Master?"
"Yes, the Mistress would be happy."
After more than ten years of companionship, how could it be forgotten so easily? The Mistress still cared about Xing Ran, and what she didn't say was simply because her affection was too deep.
In the middle of the night, Little Bei Yue was woken by the urge to urinate. His heart skipped a beat.
*How did I fall asleep? Wasn't I supposed to be vigilant? Even if he's kind, he's still a stranger. How could I sleep soundly like my sister? What if Master Wu Nian is truly a bad person, and we'd all be caught?*
However, when he cautiously opened his eyes, he saw Master Wu Nian reading scriptures while fanning him and Bei Shang to drive away mosquitoes.
It seemed he really was Mother's friend!
"Master Wu Nian..."
Wu Nian's hand holding the fan paused. He immediately put down the scriptures, his brows furrowed with concern. "Bei Yue, do you need to relieve yourself?"
Little Bei Yue nodded.
Wu Nian immediately picked him up and brought him to the chamber pot by the door.
He smelled of burning incense, which was pleasant. His arms were strong, like Father's. After peeing, Little Bei Yue leaned against him and closed his eyes.
This child, initially so vigilant, had now let his guard down.
The candlelight flickered out, and the night passed.
Wu Nian fetched water and washed the two little ones' hands and faces. They usually did these things themselves at home, but Master Wu Nian was so gentle that they enjoyed the pampering.
Little Bei Shang: "Master Wu Nian, I wish you were my father."
Wu Nian's brows furrowed slightly. "Isn't your father good?"
Little Bei Shang: "My dad doesn't wash our faces for us. He stops Mother from washing them, saying we have hands and feet and should do things ourselves, and we shouldn't tire Mother. But he's so shameless, he secretly tricks Mother into washing his face."
Little Bei Yue: "Yes, but Dad is also unlucky. Whenever we cause trouble, Mother hits him, haha. Mother says, 'A child's misbehavior is the father's fault.'"
Wu Nian's eyes glazed over, as if he could already see that scene of playful bickering.
It was wonderful.
"Will Bei Yue and Bei Shang visit Master Wu Nian again?"
"There's no meat to eat here, so it's not much fun. But I'll still come to see you," Bei Shang said.
"You only think about eating and playing. Master Wu Nian is our friend, and it's right to visit friends."
Little Bei Yue noticed that Master Wu Nian's eyes were a little red. Had he stayed up all night?
Wu Nian stroked their heads, very reluctant. "Since we are friends, can you do me a favor?"
Bei Yue hesitated. "I won't kill or set fires. I won't violate the code of the martial world."
Wu Nian: "..."
Where did this child pick up these martial world habits? Did Xiao Shan teach him?
"I have a friend who lives in a very, very big house. He is very busy and very lonely. Can you go and talk to him too?"