Chapter 484: Chapter 484

Whether their thoughts were straying or not was a separate matter for now; as long as their behavior remained as respectful and considerate as ever, that was enough. After returning, even though the location had changed, the daily routine between master and disciple remained largely unchanged.

Even though he now had a full retinue of attendants, Sima Rui still preferred to handle things personally, no matter how trivial. A disciple serving their master was, after all, the most natural thing in the world.

After all these years, An Ning had long grown accustomed to it.

As one of the only two people who had achieved some success in cultivation, certain things were destined not to be replaceable by others.

As for Emperor Xuanwu, if in his earlier years when he was still vigorous he had many schemes, now that he was past sixty—already considered advanced age in this era—even if his body was still relatively healthy, the occasional feeling of inadequacy, coupled with the covetous eyes of his sons below, was enough to fill this emperor with dread.

An emperor, especially one holding supreme power over the realm, who wants to die when they can live?

Moreover, given this True Person's temperament, he could no longer afford to gamble.

Therefore, after paying his respects and learning that the True Person intended to reside here long-term, upon returning, the first thing he did was send cartloads of lavish gifts to Xuanzhen Temple without batting an eye.

Especially after learning from his own precious son that the True Person had a particular fondness for top-grade jade...

Besides, during their years of traveling, just the amount he himself had dug up was not insignificant. Compared to his Imperial Father, who knew who might actually be wealthier!

Completely unaware of his precious son's thoughts, cradling the hard-won spirit tea, upon returning, the current emperor quickly issued an edict himself: the entire court and populace must treat the True Person with the utmost respect and must not commit any acts of offense.

The assembled ministers: "..."

Look at what he's saying. That is a genuine, bona fide Accomplished Exalted Personage. Who would dare offend?

It's not like they think they've lived too long.

Cursing under their breath, their legs, however, moved with astonishing speed. Not even two days after An Ning's return, the already thriving Xuanzhen Temple became even more bustling.

Even though An Ning still had no intention of receiving visitors,

Years had passed. The young acolytes who were originally in the temple had grown into adults, and many new junior disciples had been added over time.

Knowing the True Person loved calligraphy and painting, over the years, Lingshu and the others had mostly selected people with notable talent in these areas. Most of them were young women unwilling to marry or those with no one to rely on.

Perhaps it was empathy born of shared experience. In their early years of hardship, they relied on the True Person's protection. Now living peaceful, happy lives, they were willing to extend a hand to protect others in similar situations.

Due to the awe-inspiring display on the day of her departure, even though An Ning had been gone for years, the disciples in the temple were still held in high esteem, and no one dared to come and bully them.

With no shortage of offerings, the disciples would recite scriptures in the morning, practice calligraphy and painting in the afternoon, and play and have fun with their sisters. In this place apart from the world, their days were joyful and peaceful.

Now, seeing the True Person return and even being willing to personally instruct them in calligraphy and painting, they were naturally even happier.

When Siya arrived, An Ning was admiring the painting of one of the junior disciples.

The world is vast, and there has never been a shortage of people with good talent. This junior disciple before her had a decent family background early on. Unfortunately, before she even reached the age of fifteen, her family fell into decline. Because of her considerable painting skill, she was nearly sold off at a high price by her own elder brother.

Fortunately, this junior disciple was indeed clever. Taking advantage of her family's negligence, she ran to the temple to plead for help herself, thus escaping that fate.

Because her talent was genuinely good, An Ning did not hesitate to teach her. Before leaving, she had even gifted her a painting of a sunset she had casually done during her travels.

"Second Sister is still as generous as ever!"

Many years had passed without meeting. Siya was already old enough to be a grandmother, and in fact, she was. She now had several grandchildren.

Yet, whether in demeanor, tone, or attire, she remained as lively and straightforward as in years past.

Even her appearance resembled that of a beautiful woman around thirty.

It was easy to imagine that she had lived quite well these years. But it wasn't surprising. With Siya's intelligence, having a powerful backer and parents who weren't a burden, her life was naturally smooth.

Glancing at the dazzling pearl-drop peony and golden lotus hairpiece on the other's head, An Ning's tone remained light, but a hint of a smile unconsciously appeared in her eyes:

"Oh? Tell me, when has your sister ever not been generous?"

Bustling over quickly to nestle against her sister's side, Siya couldn't help but giggle twice.

Others thought Second Sister had left completely, not even returning for a visit all these years. But she knew that when she got married, Second Sister had specifically sent gifts via a sparrow!

And this hairpin on her head was simply too useful. Even her own sons and daughters were extremely envious.

Second Sister definitely didn't not care for her!

Even so, Siya did not bring her family members when she came this time, despite clearly seeing the eager anticipation in her sons' and daughters' eyes.

As a mother, Siya felt she had already given them a lot: hereditary noble titles they were born with, immense wealth they naturally possessed without needing to strive for it, and a pure status without any children from other women.

Such a situation was a hundred times better than Second Sister, who was almost sold off, or herself, who had struggled hard.

Second Sister was a person of the world beyond; she was already involved in worldly affairs because of their existence. Why add more burdens!

Good, what a clever girl!

Looking at Siya, who was chattering and laughing playfully about her experiences over the years without a trace of worry between her brows, An Ning couldn't help but smile inwardly. After a moment, she finally spoke:

"By the way, how is Master doing now? Has he improved?"