Ning Dao Covered with Snow

Chapter 376 Tianyuan Tower

The next day, the Fu family held a funeral. All the prominent families in the city who were known by name went to the Fu family to pay their respects, and the Xiao family was no exception.

Xiao Wang was originally supposed to go to the Fu residence with his father to pay his respects, but he had an appointment with Yan Ciwan today and could not go. In the end, Xiao Qu accompanied Xiao Zeming instead.

Xiao Wang went to the carpenter's shop early in the morning to pick up the custom-made wheelchair, and then took a carriage to Qingping Residence.

At this time, Yan Ciwan had already washed up and was having breakfast with Nie Xiayun in the dining hall. When they saw Xiao Wang arrive, they asked him to sit down and have some with them.

Because she was going out, Yan Ciwan specially changed into a more practical lapel Hu-style dress today, and her hair was also styled into a simple single bun with only a silver hairpin inserted in it, which was the one that Xiao Wang had personally given her.

Although she is now able to walk, she is still very slow. She can't even hold chopsticks and can only use a spoon to scoop up rice porridge and drink it spoonful by spoonful.

Nie Xiayun would occasionally put some food into her bowl, saying, "Your injuries haven't healed yet, so please don't act impulsively. Yan Tingyu is certainly hateful, but your safety is the most important thing. You're the only family I have left now, so you absolutely cannot have any more accidents happen to you."

While eating, Yan Ciwan replied, "I understand."

Nie Xiayun casually ladled a bowl of fish soup and placed it in front of Xiao Wang, saying, "I'll have to trouble you to take care of Aci from now on. You must keep a close eye on her and make sure nothing happens to her."

"I will, please rest assured, Madam."

After Xiao Wang finished speaking, he picked up the fish soup and took a sip. It was warm and very sweet.

After breakfast, Xiao Wang asked Uncle Jiu to bring over the wheelchair so that Yan Ciwan could try it out.

Qiu Shuang and Dong Li helped Yan Ciwan into the wheelchair, one on each side. She first touched the armrests and then tried to turn the wheelchair, but because her injury had not yet healed, she could not exert any strength in her hands, and the wheels did not move at all.

Even so, she was still very excited and asked with great interest, "Where did you buy this wheelchair?"

Xiao Wang explained, "These are the blueprints I drew myself, and I had a carpenter make them for me. The dimensions are all custom-made according to your body shape. Do you find them comfortable to use?"

"That's great. Now I don't have to stay in bed all the time. I can go out for some fresh air every now and then."

Yan Ciwan gave him a bright smile, her eyes brimming with joy.

Seeing that she genuinely liked the wheelchair, Xiao Wang was very happy.

Yan Ciwan said excitedly, "Try pushing it."

Xiao Wang walked behind her, grasped the handle, and slowly pushed forward, causing the wheelchair to move forward.

Yan Ciwan placed her hands on the armrests and swung her legs quite comfortably.

They strolled along the covered walkway. The sun was shining brightly and a gentle breeze was blowing, making it the perfect time for a walk. Yan Ciwan comfortably squinted her eyes, while Xiao Wang looked down at her, thinking that she looked like a lazy cat.

This harmonious atmosphere did not last long before it was broken by Si Buping's sudden arrival.

Si Buping came to pick up Yan Ciwan so she could go see Yan Tingyu.

Just as they were about to leave, Nie Xiayun rushed over and covered Yan Ciwan's legs with a thin blanket, saying, "Your injury hasn't healed yet, and you're very weak. You mustn't catch a cold."

Then she said to Xiao Wang, "I know you are meticulous, I am very relieved to leave Aci in your care."

Yan Ciwan and Xiao Wang exchanged a glance. Yan Ciwan gave him a helpless smile, then said to Nie Xiayun, "Grandma, it's getting late, we should go."

Nie Xiayun stuffed a small bundle into her arms and said, "Inside are some tea eggs I cooked myself, and a water pouch. Eat them if you get hungry or thirsty on the road."

"We'll be back soon, no need to prepare these things."

"I've prepared everything, just take it, better safe than sorry, listen to me!" Yan Ciwan had no choice but to take the bundle and go out.

The carriage was already waiting at the door. Yan Ciwan couldn't get into the carriage by herself, so Dongli picked her up and carried her in.

Uncle Jiu drove the car, while Xiao Wang and Si Buping rode horses, and the group walked along the street.

After traveling for a while, Xiao Wang realized that they were going the wrong way. He suddenly called out to Uncle Jiu to stop the carriage, then turned to look at Si Buping and said in a deep voice.

"This is not the way to the Crown Prince's residence."

Upon hearing this, Yan Ciwan raised her hand to lift the curtain of the car window and peered outside.

Si Buping seemed to have anticipated Xiao Wang's question, and he calmly said, "I never said I was going to the Crown Prince's residence."

Yan Ciwan pressed further, "Then where are you taking us?"

Si Buping countered, "Didn't you say you wanted to see Yan Tingyu? I'm taking you to see her now."

Yan Ciwan quickly realized: "Yan Tingyu isn't in the Crown Prince's residence?!"

Si Buping glanced at the passersby around him and said slowly, "This is not the place to talk, so I can't say too much. In short, as long as you follow me, you will see Yan Tingyu. If you don't believe me, you can go back now. The choice is yours."

After weighing the options in her mind, Yan Ciwan finally decided to go with Si Buping.

Based on her previous experience with Si Buping, although he acted in an extreme way, he never showed any malice towards her. He even secretly helped her a few times. Yan Ciwan decided to trust him one more time.

The carriage passed through one gate after another, finally stopping in front of Xingye Temple.

Xingye Temple was the largest Taoist temple in Chang'an. It was a popular place for imperial relatives to practice, and its incense was always burning brightly. Carriages and horses flowed in and out of the temple.

Dongli carried Yan Ciwan out of the car and put her in a wheelchair.

As we entered, Uncle Nine helped lift the wheelchair so that the wheels could easily cross the threshold.

Uncle Jiu and Dongli stayed outside to guard the carriage and horses, while only Xiao Wang and Si Buping accompanied Yan Ciwan into the Taoist temple.

The worshippers in the Taoist temple couldn't help but glance at Yan Ciwan, who was in a wheelchair, with curiosity.

Si Buping went directly to the abbot of the Taoist temple and explained his purpose. The abbot called over the supervisor and instructed him, "Junior brother, take them to Tianyuan Pagoda."

"Yes." The abbot looked at Si Buping and his group and said with a smile. "Distinguished guests, please follow me."

Yan Ciwan looked up and saw a small spire through the lush trees; that must be the Tianyuan Pagoda.

She sat in a wheelchair, pushed by Xiao Wang from behind. They walked further and further away from the area, and there were no more worshippers to be seen. They could only occasionally see one or two Taoist priests passing by.

As the distance increases, the Tianyuan Tower gradually reveals its full appearance.

It was a pagoda built on a rocky mountain, constructed entirely of stone, about five zhang tall, with an octagonal Sumeru pedestal at its base, carved windows on all four sides, and copper bells hanging from its eaves.

When the wind blows, the copper bells will make a clear, tinkling sound.

The abbot led them to the main gate and asked, "May I ask which of you wishes to see the Crown Princess?"

Yan Ciwan replied, "It's me."

The abbot opened the door with a key and then gestured for Yan Ciwan to come in.