Chapter 484 - 257 Lobbyist_1
Tomorrow is the Double Ninth Festival, and Prince Consort Pan wants to take Brother Jie to climb Xiding Mountain for the autumn scenery and then to Daci Temple to offer incense to the Elder Princess. Qian Yijin and Qian Yixiu also want to go to offer incense to their grandmother, and at the same time, climb the mountain and enjoy the distant views. Besides, they have missed the Little Monk and the Old Fairy, and hearing about the trip, they insisted on joining.
That evening, Qian Yixiu suddenly remembered the fruit that Monkey Brother had brought back a few months ago. She could go ask the Half Old Immortal about it; perhaps he would recognize it. If not, she would have to slowly unravel the mystery herself.
The next day, they had an early breakfast, and it was just the beginning of the Chen hour when they finished. Prince Consort Pan then took Qian Yijin, Qian Yixiu, and Brother Jie on a horse-drawn carriage, with Wan Dazhong, Wu Zhi, and Huang Tie riding horseback alongside them.
Qian Yixiu probably guessed the identity of Qian Yijin and hence deduced the identities of Wan Dazhong and his son. Whenever Qian Yijin left the village, Wan Dazhong would inevitably follow, and his martial skills were particularly remarkable. No wonder she often saw Wan Dazhong circling around her home when she played the ghost—it turned out he was protecting them.
Since they intended to climb, they couldn’t ride the horse carriage up the mountain. Arriving at a convenient path at the foot of Xiding Mountain, everyone got off the carriage. Coachman Li Jinhu stayed at the foot of the mountain to look after the horses and carriage, while the rest began their climb.
The weather today was exceptionally good, with a bright blue sky dotted by a few faint clouds. The red morning sun shone brilliantly but not scorchingly, and the autumn breeze carried a coolness, making it perfect weather for a mountain excursion.
Qian Yixiu was dressed in white inner garments and trousers, with a pine-green knee-length outer jacket, which was conducive to climbing. Prince Consort Pan had also dressed down in the style of common travelers, without wearing his signature Pearl Purple Gold Crown and donning a bright blue silk robe. Although others thought the handsome Big Uncle merited a second glance, no one would have imagined he was the renowned Great Scholar Pan of Daqian. Otherwise, they might not be able to ascend the mountain at all, and the traffic could become congested.
Many people were climbing the mountain today, including wealthy young lords and ladies. These ladies, dressed to attract attention, made their way up the mountain delicately, supported by maids or nannies. The gentlemen accompanying them protected them gallantly, cautious of any misstep that could sprain their ankles.