The Three Teachings Converge into One: The Path of the Mortal and the Saintly is the Same

Poetry:

The morning light shines on the jade steps of the palace, where the Buddha's heart first encounters the sage's demeanor.

Zhao Yang concealed her feelings, while by the stream she yearned for Qi'er.

In the early winter of the eleventh year of the Jinghe era, Luoyang was blanketed in a blanket of white snow. The imperial palace of the Great Xia Dynasty stretched for thousands of miles, its eaves and brackets covered in snow and frost. The glazed tiles reflected the dawn's light, scattering like fragments of gold across the white jade steps. Compared to the gentle, misty rain of Jiangnan, the imperial palace exuded a solemn and imposing aura of imperial power. The palace walls stood tall, armored soldiers stood in rows, their halberds gleaming in the snow, and even the cold wind carried an unyielding authority.

Su Qingxuan, acting on a secret edict from Emperor Jinghe, left the Censorate at dawn and walked into the palace. He was still wearing a neatly washed blue cloth scholar's robe, with an imperial purple silk cloak over it, a purple-gold fish-shaped pouch hanging at his waist, and the ancient bronze seal in his bosom as warm as ever. His aura of the three religions was restrained and deeply concealed. He walked with unhurried steps, passing through Chengtian Gate and entering Taiji Gate. When the imperial guards saw him along the way, they all bowed and lowered their heads, showing great respect.

This young vice minister, who at the tender age of sixteen took charge of the Censorate, used the imperial seal to stabilize the court's fortune, and whose achievements were unparalleled in the world, had long been a figure both respected and feared by the people of the Great Xia Dynasty. He was unaffiliated with any party or faction, did not attach himself to powerful figures, and was wholeheartedly devoted to the people. Even the three major powers of the prime minister, the emperor's brother-in-law, and the vassal king could not do anything to him. Moreover, he had a holy name praised by the people, and no one dared to treat him with disrespect.

Outside the palace gates, Chi Ying, dressed in a striking crimson outfit, stood amidst the wind and snow, like a plum blossom braving the cold. She led four chivalrous heroes, hiding behind the palace wall, watching with worry as Su Qingxuan's figure disappeared into the forbidden garden, her fingers tightly gripping the red-tasseled spear shaft.

These days, apart from carrying out secret missions, she has been protecting Su Qingxuan every step of the way. Suppressing bandits in Jiangnan and eliminating pests in the countryside, she has been spending every day with Su Qingxuan and has long since devoted her girlish heart to him.

The young girl was naive and thought that entering the palace to meet the emperor was fraught with danger, and that the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin. She couldn't fathom the emperor's high regard and trust in Su Qingxuan; she only had eyes for Su Qingxuan, and if Su Qingxuan made even the slightest mistake, she would dare to bring down the emperor.

Zhou Laogen followed Su Qingxuan to the palace gate, where he stopped according to the rules, cupped his hands and whispered, "Young master, take care. This old servant will wait outside the palace."

Su Qingxuan nodded slightly and followed the eunuch along the long corridor. Outside the corridor, plum blossoms bloomed proudly in the snow, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air, refreshing the soul. Upon reaching the Imperial Study, the eunuch bowed and reported, "Minister Su, His Majesty is currently reviewing urgent reports from the northern frontier. He requests that you wait in the side hall for a moment, and will summon you shortly."

The side hall was elegantly furnished, devoid of any extravagance. Several volumes of Confucian classics lay on the table, and a censer of sandalwood burned in the corner, its smoke gentle and soothing, cleansing the mind. Su Qingxuan sat quietly on a futon, regulating his breathing and focusing his mind according to the "Confucian Mind Method." The righteous energy within his dantian flowed slowly, resonating with the ancient bronze seal in his bosom. A wisp of warm spiritual energy spread throughout his body, dispelling the winter chill. He knew that his entry into the palace today was not merely for discussing state affairs—the northern barbarians were garrisoning troops on the border, Prince Xiao Jing of Heluo was secretly colluding with foreign enemies, and although the three factions in the court were suppressed, undercurrents were still surging. Emperor Jinghe's summons must be to entrust him with important responsibilities for the country, and within this deep palace, the entanglements of imperial power and the bonds of kinship were obstacles he could not avoid.

Before long, a palace attendant announced from outside the hall in a high-pitched, soft voice: "Princess Zhaoyang has arrived—"

Su Qingxuan immediately stood up, straightened his clothes, and performed the proper Confucian etiquette. He had long heard that Princess Zhaoyang, Xiao Lingyue, was Emperor Jinghe's younger sister. At the age of sixteen, she had never been interested in the splendor of the palace and disliked jewels and fine silks. She had always devoted herself to Buddhism, living in the Jingxin Nunnery in the palace to copy scriptures and pray for blessings, praying for the fate of the Great Xia Dynasty and all the people. She was gentle and kind, with a pure heart like a Buddhist, and was the most unique existence in the royal family.

The palace doors opened slightly, and a figure in moon-white robes slowly entered.

The princess wore a simple, plain-colored robe, the fabric plain and unadorned, with only a jade hairpin holding back her long, black hair. No pearls or jade ornaments adorned her ears or neck. Her figure was graceful, her steps light and deliberate, untouched by falling snow, her heart undisturbed by worldly clamor. She held a string of Bodhi beads, her fingers lightly twirling them. Her features were gentle and refined, her eyes holding the unique serenity and clarity of a Buddhist. Her skin was as white as snow, her bearing dignified as ancient jade, and she exuded a Zen-like purity untouched by worldly concerns, completely out of place in the power-hungry, extravagant atmosphere of the palace.

"Your subject Su Qingxuan greets Princess Zhaoyang. May Your Highness be well." Su Qingxuan bowed respectfully, his voice gentle and his manners impeccable.

Xiao Lingyue returned the greeting with a Buddhist salute, her voice clear and melodious like a cold spring gurgling over stones, without a trace of princess arrogance: "Minister Su, there's no need for such formalities. I have come on the orders of my elder brother, the Emperor, to discuss the principles of the integration of the three religions with you. I apologize for disturbing you."

The eunuch quietly withdrew, leaving only the two in the hall. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of sandalwood and plum blossoms, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Xiao Lingyue raised her eyes to look at Su Qingxuan, her gaze gently falling on his upright figure in his blue robe. A slight tremor ran through her heart. Having lived in the deep palace for so long, having read countless Buddhist scriptures, she was accustomed to the sycophancy of court officials and the extravagant arrogance of noble relatives. She had never seen such a person before—only sixteen years old, holding a high position, yet without a trace of arrogance or worldliness. A Confucian spirit was hidden in his blue robe, a Taoist aura was concealed between his brows, and a Buddhist nature was contained in his eyes. The essence of the three religions blended harmoniously, making him seem like a sage with a heart for all living beings, or a celestial being who had transcended the world.

From a young age, she had devoted herself to Buddhism and long since renounced worldly desires, her heart unmoved by worldly passions. Yet, gazing at Su Qingxuan now, she felt a ripple stir in her heart, like a stone thrown into a still pond, its calm lingering. This was not the lustful attraction between a man and a woman, but the stirring of a Buddhist heart meeting a Taoist heart, a meeting of minds—she understood his path to saving the world, his unity of the three religions, and his unwavering commitment to the sacred path despite living in the mortal world. This understanding was more profound than any other emotion in the world.

"I have read the Diamond Sutra, which says, 'All forms are illusory. If one sees all forms as non-forms, one sees the Tathagata.' Your Excellency cultivates the three paths: Confucianism for self-cultivation and helping the world, Taoism for harmony with heaven and earth, and Buddhism for enlightenment and seeing one's true nature. May I ask whether the Buddhist concept of 'emptiness' and the Confucian concept of 'helping the world' are contradictory?" Xiao Lingyue gently twirled her prayer beads, asking in a soft voice, her gaze clear and direct, pointing to the core of Confucianism and Buddhism.

A hint of approval flashed in Su Qingxuan's eyes as he slowly replied, "What the princess has said is the fundamental key to the unity of the three teachings. The Buddhist concept of emptiness is not nihilism or annihilation, but rather a mind free from attachment and unbound by worldly desires; the Confucian concept of helping the world is not about clinging to personal gain, but about having compassion for all living beings and taking benevolence as its foundation. Confucianism says, 'Cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world,' which is about entering the world to help people; Taoism says, 'Benefit without harming, act without contending,' which is about living in harmony with the world and cultivating one's true nature; Buddhism says, 'Hold compassion in one's heart and universally save all living beings,' which is also about entering the world to help people with a detached mind. The three paths lead to the same goal, all cultivating a clear and pure heart—emptiness as the essence, helping as the function, the unity of essence and function is the Great Way. An empty heart is not tempted by power and desire, a benevolent heart is willing to sacrifice for all living beings, empty yet helping the world, helping without attachment, this is the path of the three teachings that I follow."

His words were profound and insightful, reaching the very essence of the Buddha's heart.

Xiao Lingyue shuddered, a sudden glint of light flashing in her eyes, as if enlightened. For over a decade, she had diligently cultivated Buddhist principles, yet remained trapped in the entanglement of "emptiness" and "attachment"—courting Buddhist tranquility while simultaneously worrying about her country and its people; desiring to uphold her Zen heart while unable to relinquish her royal responsibilities. Today, Su Qingxuan's words had pierced her heart, instantly dissolving her long-standing inner conflict. She gazed at the young man before her, utterly awestruck. Yet, a strange feeling welled up within her; it was as if she had known Su Qingxuan for years. This inexplicable closeness, seemingly innate, stirred her Daoist heart. From childhood, she had devoted herself to Buddhism and Daoism, believing her Daoist resolve to be unwavering. Within and outside the capital, she had seen countless handsome young men, some as beautiful as Pan An, others exceptionally talented, but her heart had never stirred with the emotions of a man. Even more unbelievable was that, facing Su Qingxuan now, she couldn't control herself, and involuntarily…secretly pledged her heart. This was utterly incomprehensible to Xiao Lingyue, who was also in the prime of her youth. She shook her head inwardly, suppressing the stirrings in her heart. She knew that as a princess of the royal family, she was bound by the responsibilities of her family and country, while Su Qingxuan bore the great responsibility of saving the world. Both of them had heavy burdens and responsibilities, and could not easily indulge in romantic feelings.

She immediately concealed all the turmoil in her eyes, still gently twirling her prayer beads, her expression calm and serene, and said in a gentle voice, "Your words, Your Excellency, have dispelled my confusion of many years. The Buddha said, 'Five hundred glances are exchanged for one fleeting encounter.' Today, discussing the Dao with Your Excellency is my Buddhist affinity. Your Excellency's path ahead is fraught with peril, and I pray for Your Excellency with a Buddhist heart, wishing you a smooth journey and peace for all people."

Her affection was hidden in Buddhist teachings, concealed in her dignified demeanor, neither revealed in her expression nor expressed in her words, but rather expressed through silent protection. This was Princess Zhaoyang's forbearance, and also the deep affection of a woman with a Buddhist heart.

Just then, a soft rustling sound came from behind the screen in the hall, like the hem of a skirt brushing against the wooden lattice, or like a child suppressing a laugh.

Su Qingxuan's gaze was gentle as he looked towards the screen, without pointing anything out. Xiao Lingyue, however, smiled and said softly, "Lingxi, you've been hiding for so long, why don't you come out? What kind of behavior is this, a royal princess hiding like this?"

The screen was suddenly flung open by a pair of small hands, and a pink-clad figure hopped out.

The newcomer was none other than Xiao Lingxi, the grandson of the late emperor and daughter of Prince Jing, Xiao Jingyao. At fifteen years old, she wore a pink palace gown embroidered with crabapple blossoms on the hem, and a headdress adorned with crimson gold pearl flowers. With bright eyes and white teeth, she was charming and lively, her eyes brimming with innocence and carefree spirit, showing none of the restraint typical of a young lady from the inner palace. She had long heard of Su Qingxuan's renowned reputation in Jiangnan, knowing that this young prime minister had made a grand vow at the age of eight, subdued mountain bandits with the benevolent influence of the three religions, and pacified the court with the imperial seal, his achievements unparalleled throughout the land. Her curiosity piqued, she secretly slipped into a side hall, hiding behind a screen to peek, and was already captivated by Su Qingxuan's bearing and talent.

"Royal Aunt~" Xiao Lingxi stuck out her tongue, tugged at Xiao Lingyue's sleeve playfully, then tilted her head back, blinking her bright almond-shaped eyes, and looked Su Qingxuan up and down, her eyes full of curiosity and amazement. She blurted out, "You're Su Qingxuan from Jiangnan? People in the palace say you're a living saint. You're truly different from those men who only know how to study and fight for power. You're really... truly an extraordinary man!"

The phrase "extraordinary man" came out of her mouth without any embellishment; it was the purest praise from a young girl.

Su Qingxuan smiled gently and bowed: "Your Highness flatters me. I am but a scholar with a rudimentary understanding of the three religions and am merely doing my duty to help the world. I am unworthy of the title 'extraordinary man'."

"Of course! Absolutely!" Xiao Lingxi circled around him, her small hands clutching the hem of her palace dress, her bright almond-shaped eyes sparkling with admiration. "I heard the Emperor say that you planted spirit trees in Jiangnan, controlled floods, and subdued mountain bandits. In the capital, you suppressed the Prime Minister, controlled the Imperial Uncle, and suppressed the Prince of Zhen. You're only a year older than me, yet you've accomplished so much. What else could you be but an extraordinary man?"

She was innocent and carefree, without a trace of guile, and a string of questions flowed from her lips, ranging from the misty rain and clear streams of Jiangnan to the snow-covered plum blossoms of Luoyang's palaces, from ancient sacred seals to the three teachings' inner principles, from the peaceful lives of ordinary people to the governance of the court—all without a trace of guile, purely the curiosity and admiration of a young girl. Su Qingxuan answered patiently, his tone gentle, without flaunting his supernatural powers or boasting of his achievements, but simply explaining in the most straightforward language the fundamental principles of the three teachings in helping the world, the steadfast commitment of Confucian scholars, and the great path of caring for the common people.

Xiao Lingxi listened with growing fascination, her face filled with admiration. A naive, girlish heart quietly settled on the young man in the blue robe before her. She didn't understand the concept of the unity of the three religions, nor the common path of mortals and saints; she only felt that Su Qingxuan was the best, most powerful, and most gentle man in the world, a thousand times, ten thousand times better than any of the princes and nobles in the palace. From that moment on, the words "extraordinary man" were the most frequently uttered in her mind. This innocent, pure, and fervent infatuation came naturally, without any reason.

Xiao Lingyue sat quietly to the side, watching the two, a slight ripple stirring in her heart. From childhood, she had felt a special affinity for this young princess. With her intelligence, she could easily see that this innocent girl had also fallen for Su Qingxuan at first sight, and she herself was equally infatuated. It seemed as if the three of them were connected by some tacit understanding, some kind of "fate," some invisible "cause and effect." Having studied Buddhism since childhood, she understood the Buddhist concepts of cause and effect, but she couldn't see clearly what was happening before her eyes. She sensed something, yet couldn't articulate it; her vision was like a hazy, indistinct cloud, both real and unreal. She composed herself again, suppressing her thoughts, and regained her dignified and gentle demeanor, a gentle smile in her eyes. She knew Xiao Lingxi's affection was pure and innocent, but she also knew that this budding love, like her own, might not yield any reward. However, as the princess's aunt, as a woman with a Buddhist heart, she couldn't bear to expose it. She could only silently pray, hoping that this purity would suffer less harm.

The eunuch outside the palace announced again, his voice respectful: "His Majesty summons Vice Minister Su to the Imperial Study for a meeting—"

Su Qingxuan immediately stood up, bowed to Princess Zhaoyang and Xiao Lingxi to take his leave: "I have come to see you by imperial decree and must take my leave now. I will discuss matters with you, Princess, another day and help you resolve your doubts."

"Come back soon, my dear! I still want to hear your stories about Jiangnan!" Xiao Lingxi waved her little hand and called out sweetly, her eyes full of reluctance.

Xiao Lingyue nodded slightly and said gently, "Your Excellency, please go. State affairs are of utmost importance."

Upon hearing the words "extraordinary man," Su Qingxuan nearly stumbled. He quickly regained his balance and followed the eunuch into the imperial study. As the door closed, so too did the ripples in his heart and the ambiguous atmosphere outside.

Inside the palace, Emperor Jinghe sat upright on the dragon throne, his face solemn. On his desk were piles of urgent reports from the northern frontier, secret letters from the King of Heluo to the Di barbarians, inspection records of the Luohe River works, and memorials on the implementation of the new imperial examination policy. His face was full of worry.

"Minister Su, you've arrived! Please sit!" Emperor Jinghe gestured for you to sit, his tone urgent. "I summoned you to the palace today because I received a secret report. There are three extremely important matters—first, the Di barbarian royal court in the northern frontier has amassed 100,000 iron cavalry, stationed outside Yanmen Pass, sharpening their swords, ready to invade the south; second, Prince Xiao Jing of Heluo has secretly sent his confidants to collude with the Di barbarians, offering to act as internal agents, promising to overthrow the Great Xia dynasty and then divide the world equally; third, the Luohe River project is nearing completion, and although the salt and iron projects, supervised by officials and managed by merchants, and the new civil service examination system have been effective, they are being secretly obstructed by three factions. If we are not careful, all our previous efforts will be in vain!"

The emperor's voice was anxious, yet it also contained expectations for Su Qingxuan, and the atmosphere in the imperial study suddenly became heavy.

Su Qingxuan bowed, his expression solemn. Beneath his blue robe, a righteous aura surged, and the ancient bronze seal glowed slightly warm. He had already secretly investigated the collusion between the vassal king and the Northern Barbarians. When Jiangnan entered the capital, the gray-robed Taoist priest had secretly sent a message warning the King of Heluo of disloyalty. In addition, he also possessed military evidence. What Emperor Jinghe said today was merely further confirmation. After a moment of contemplation, Su Qingxuan straightened his official robes, bowed to Emperor Jinghe, and immediately offered three strategies, his voice filled with confidence and determination:

"I have three strategies that can avert the national crisis:"

The first strategy was to pacify the interior: the Censorate was to monitor the capital region and the various vassal states in the Central Plains, and to divide the power of the vassal kings. The Censorate was to show favor to neutral vassal kings such as Prince Jing, and to appease and win them over. As for the rebellious forces of Prince Heluo, secret agents were sent to lie in wait and to secretly deploy defenses. The plan was not to alert them, but to wait for them to make a move before wiping them out in one fell swoop and eliminating any future troubles.

Secondly, regarding the strategy of securing the border: Your humble servant has secretly observed that many high-ranking military officials of the current dynasty are entangled with the three factions. For the sake of stability, it is recommended to transfer elite local militias from various regions northward to be incorporated into the border army and reorganize the defenses of the northern frontier. Furthermore, Your humble servant will nourish the border troops with the noble spirit of Confucianism and the spiritual energy of Taoism to boost morale. Additionally, Your humble servant will station the bronze sacred seal at Yanmen Pass to stabilize the border's fortunes and use the benevolent customs of the three religions to civilize the barbarians in the border regions, striving to subdue them without fighting.

Thirdly, the strategy to consolidate the foundation: expedite the completion of the Luo River project, with a trusted imperial censor personally dispatched to inspect the entire process and severely punish corruption; vigorously promote the new civil service examination system and the official supervision and commercial operation of salt and iron, replenish the national treasury, win over the hearts of the people, and leave no opportunity for vassal kings and barbarian tribes to exploit. With a stable foundation, external evils will find it difficult to invade!

All three strategies were carefully considered by Su Qingxuan, with clear logic and far-sighted planning, which not only resolved the immediate crisis but also ensured the long-term national security.

Emperor Jinghe clapped his hands and laughed heartily, his imperial face beaming with delight: "My dear minister's three strategies are all gems, relieving my great worries! I grant them! Immediately issue an imperial edict, entrusting all matters of border defense, vassal kings, and domestic affairs to you. You may act as you see fit, and if necessary, execute first and report later, without needing to request permission!"

The emperor and his minister discussed matters in the imperial study for nearly two hours, ranging from the deployment of the new border army to the checks and balances on the vassal kings, from strengthening the foundation of people's livelihood to the integration of the three religions into the government, and the discussion continued until sunset.

Outside the palace, the plum blossoms and snow remained unchanged. Xiao Lingyue stood beneath the plum tree in front of the Jingxin Nunnery, holding prayer beads, facing the direction of the Imperial Study, silently chanting sutras and praying for blessings. She had heard about the affairs of the frontier and knew that Su Qingxuan was about to depart for the border, a journey fraught with danger and peril. Her feelings for him deepened, yet she knew she could not reveal a single trace. As a royal princess, her feelings could not be spoken or shown; they could only be hidden in her heart, transformed into silent protection—this was her destiny. She could not allow her status or her emotions to become obstacles on Su Qingxuan's path.

Xiao Lingxi, peering through the window of the Imperial Study, secretly watched Su Qingxuan's composed demeanor as he presented his memorial, her eyes filled with admiration. She murmured to herself, "Truly an extraordinary man... the most extraordinary man in the world..." She knew nothing of national affairs or the dangers of the border; she only felt that whatever Su Qingxuan did was dazzling and captivating. This innocent infatuation was like a seed planted deep in the young girl's heart. She wondered if it would blossom and bear fruit in the storms of life.

After the meeting, Emperor Jinghe invited Su Qingxuan to lunch at the Plum Pavilion in the Imperial Garden, with Princess Zhaoyang and Xiao Lingxi accompanying him, as a sign of his favor.

Inside the Plum Pavilion, snow fell and plum blossoms bloomed, filling the garden with fragrance. The imperial cuisine was exquisite and elegant, without a trace of extravagance. Emperor Jinghe sat in the seat of honor, Su Qingxuan in the guest seat, and Xiao Lingyue and Xiao Lingxi on either side. During the meal, Emperor Jinghe and Su Qingxuan discussed the hardships of the people and the principles of governing the world, their words filled with reliance. Xiao Lingyue sat gracefully to one side, pouring tea and serving dishes for the two, gentle and proper. She only occasionally echoed Su Qingxuan's words of salvation with Buddhist principles, her deep affection hidden in her eyes, transformed into silent attention. Even the turning of the Buddhist beads on her fingertips concealed her heartfelt prayer for him. Xiao Lingxi sat beside Su Qingxuan, constantly serving him food, asking all sorts of questions, from the fragrance of osmanthus in Jiangnan to the scent of snow plum blossoms in Luoyang, from the three religions to the everyday life of the city, her eyes full of admiration. The words she uttered most often were still "extraordinary man," which amused the three people present.

After several rounds of wine and dishes, Emperor Jinghe suddenly stroked his beard and laughed, "Zhaoyang has devoted herself to Buddhism since childhood and has no desire to be involved in worldly marriage. Lingxi is also fifteen years old and of marriageable age. As her elder brother and uncle, I have not yet found suitable partners for the two of them, and I feel very guilty."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the Imperial Study became slightly tense.

Xiao Lingyue's prayer beads paused abruptly, her expression remaining calm as she silently pondered—her brother's words implied a marriage alliance. The royal family intended to betroth either her or Lingxi to Su Qingxuan, hoping to win over this powerful and popular young official and bind him to the royal court. Su Qingxuan, however, was unaffiliated with any faction, dedicated to saving the world. If he accepted the marriage, he would be drawn into power struggles, betraying his principles; if he refused, he would defy the emperor's will and offend the royal family. This was an unsolvable dilemma.

Xiao Lingxi's cheeks flushed crimson instantly. She secretly glanced at Su Qingxuan, her eyes filled with girlish expectation and shyness, her heart pounding. She was oblivious to the deeper meaning of the arranged marriage, only feeling that marrying this extraordinary man would be the happiest thing in the world—a pure expectation. Little did she know, the palace intrigue was treacherous, and because of her status as a member of the imperial clan, she was destined to be used, becoming a tool to scheme against and hinder Su Qingxuan. If Su Qingxuan were restrained, how could he realize his ambitions?

Su Qingxuan understood, but his expression remained calm. He rose and bowed, his tone gentle yet firm: "Your Majesty is wise! The princess is pure of heart and innocent of nature; they are destined for each other. I am devoted to cultivating the three teachings and taking it upon myself to save the world and bring peace to the people. I dare not mislead the princess and the noblewoman; I only wish to fulfill my duty as a Confucian scholar, repay Your Majesty's kindness, and bring peace to the world."

Once the words were spoken, he remained neither humble nor arrogant, expressing gratitude for the emperor's favor while refusing the marriage alliance, thus upholding his principle of being unaffiliated with any party or faction.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jinghe was slightly surprised and secretly sighed. Although his words had been refuted to his face, Su Qingxuan was, after all, a pillar of the state and his reliance, so he could only let it go. He also knew that Su Qingxuan was determined and could not be forced, so he simply stopped mentioning the matter and continued discussing state affairs. Xiao Lingyue breathed a sigh of relief, but a slight, almost imperceptible sense of loss rose in her heart. She quickly dispelled it with a Buddhist heart, only strengthening her resolve to silently protect him. Xiao Lingxi, though not understanding the deeper meaning, also sensed that Su Qingxuan had rejected the marriage proposal. Her little face was full of disappointment, but she still stubbornly thought: It's okay, Brother Qingxuan is an extraordinary man. I will always stay with him, and one day he will be with me.

After the meal, Su Qingxuan took his leave and left the palace.

At the entrance of the Imperial Garden, the snow fell heavier and heavier, the plum blossoms standing proudly against the snow. Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands in a gesture of respect, her voice clear and gentle, concealing deep affection: "Lord Su's journey will be fraught with danger, both in the court and on the frontier. I will spend my days at the Jingxin Nunnery copying scriptures and praying for your safety and success, wishing you peace and prosperity, and that you may achieve your goals in saving the world." After speaking, she turned and left, her moon-white figure disappearing among the snow and plum blossoms, never to look back, burying all her feelings deep within her Buddhist heart.

Xiao Lingxi chased after him to the palace gate, waving her little hand and calling out sweetly, "Brother Qingxuan, you must come to the palace often! I still want to hear you tell stories of Jiangnan! You will always be my extraordinary man!" The girl's voice was clear and crisp, filled with innocent infatuation, and echoed for a long time in the wind and snow.

Su Qingxuan paused slightly, bowed in farewell, and turned to walk out of the palace gate. Chi Ying and Zhou Laogen were already waiting outside. Dressed in red against the snow, with blue robes and cloaks covered in snow, the group walked through the snow back to the Censorate.

Amidst the wind and snow, the undercurrents of power struggles in Luoyang, the two young women's affections within the palace, and the treacherous schemes of the vassal king Di Man intertwined, forming an invisible net that enveloped Su Qingxuan. He stood outside the palace gates, his blue robes flowing elegantly, the ancient bronze seal in his robes as warm as ever. His current realm was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of this world; with his skill and Dao heart, he understood eight or nine parts of the circumstances and revelations he had experienced upon entering the palace today. He knew that another predestined relationship had arrived, and like Lin Wanqing and Chi Ying, while he couldn't offer them any promises, he also couldn't harm them. He had never intentionally sought this, but the fate and karma of this world couldn't be avoided at will. Whether these relationships were good or bad for him, he didn't dwell on it. The world was currently in a state of constant flux, turbulent and unpredictable, with the Great Xia Dynasty beset by internal and external troubles, like a giant whirlpool. And he, Su Qingxuan, would inevitably be at the center of this whirlpool. He didn't want to drag these women into it, including Chi Ying…

Su Qingxuan was filled with countless thoughts. The great path of the unity of the three religions and the common path of mortals and saints is inherently fraught with danger and twists and turns. A slight misstep could lead to utter annihilation.

The more challenging the road ahead, the more he remained true to his original aspirations, his lofty ambition as firm as a plum blossom braving the snow.

Su Qingxuan made a silent resolution: Confucianism helps the world, Taoism nourishes truth, Buddhism illuminates nature, the three teachings unite, and the mortal and the saint walk the same path. Even if there are countless tribulations ahead, he will forge ahead without hesitation.

It is:

The plum blossoms at Ruixue Palace reflect the jade-like beauty of the snow, and the Buddha's heart and the Buddha's devotion are mutually understood.

Unexpectedly, the causes of past lives were etched on this earthly path, and the mysterious roots have already been planted, awaiting the time of tribulation.