Both fathers turned to look at Su Yunmo, their eyes full of worry.
The great monk, as if finding a lifeline, kowtowed to Su Yunmo.
"This monk was very rude earlier. Little Miss, you are magnanimous to save this monk's life. This monk will repay your kindness with all his might!"
Su Yunmo straightened her two short legs, tilted her head, and blinked. "Does the Empress Dowager want to reward Momo? Okay, okay, but Momo doesn't want to punish them as a reward."
"Momo heard from others that the palace food is very delicious, and Momo has never eaten it. I know the Empress Dowager is from the palace. Can Momo come to play with you in the future? Momo wants to eat delicious food!"
Her eyes sparkled, and she licked her lips as she swallowed, looking greedy.
Su Qingtian relaxed a little, casting a glance at her with slight relief.
This girl was indeed smart, knowing when to completely revert to being a child.
The Empress Dowager observed Su Yunmo with a probing gaze for a moment, then shook her head and chuckled lightly. "You are quite a cunning little thing."
Well, if she didn't want to be the bad guy, then so be it. Children shouldn't make enemies.
"Rongjin," the Empress Dowager called out.
The old servant, wet nurse Rongjin, stepped forward and took a jade tablet from her embrace, handing it to Su Yunmo.
"This is the Empress Dowager's personal jade tablet. If Little Miss wishes to eat palace pastries in the future, you may come to the Empress Dowager's palace at any time."
A personal item of the imperial family would never be easily given away, let alone the Empress Dowager's jade tablet.
This item, in Su Yunmo's hands, was more than just a token to enter the palace; it was a protective charm from the Empress Dowager.
Xie Zhengping reminded her, "Momo, quickly thank her."
Su Yunmo held the jade tablet, her face beaming, and said in a soft voice, "Thank you, Imperial Grandmother!"
Su Qingtian was stunned for a moment and looked at her with some resentment.
Apart from himself, this little girl seemed to be able to act spoiled with everyone familiarly.
Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to look at the Empress Dowager's expression.
Although children's words were innocent, the Empress Dowager's status was noble, and not just anyone could call her "Imperial Grandmother."
Xie Zhengping couldn't help but worry.
The Empress Dowager also seemed surprised, thinking the address was rather unique, and did not blame her.
"Rise," the Empress Dowager told her to get up, then looked at the great monk and his group who were kneeling.
"Since this Miaoshan was built with the Empress's intention to worship Buddha, I cannot go against her good intentions."
The great monk's expression immediately changed from worry to joy. Before he could even express his gratitude, he heard the Empress Dowager add another sentence.
"Since the people managing the temple are incompetent, then let's replace them."
With a casual remark, she decided the fate of these people.
Xie Zhengping waved to the palace attendants behind him.
The palace attendants stepped forward and took the group away.
"Empress Dowager, spare us! Empress Dowager, spare us!" The great monk and the others were dragged down the mountain, their screams still audible from afar.
The pilgrims were so frightened they dared not even breathe loudly.
The Empress Dowager turned a deaf ear, leaning back on her seat, showing a hint of fatigue. "I am tired today, it is time to return to the palace to rest."
Xie Zhengping ordered the sedan chair to be prepared.
Everyone quickly shouted in unison, "We wish the Empress Dowager a safe journey."
The palace attendants and maids lined up in two rows, departing in a grand procession.
After greeting Su Qingtian, Xie Zhengping also led his retinue away.
The pilgrims dared not linger, and those who had not offered incense did not continue. They all dispersed and headed down the mountain.
Su Yunmo clutched the jade tablet in her hand, a dark glint flashing in her eyes.
"You are quite lucky, girl," Su Qingtian squatted in front of her, patting the dirt off her clothes, and sighed inwardly.
Not to mention You'er and the three little rascals at home, or Xie Zhengping and his wife, even the Empress Dowager doted on her.
As her father, he seemed to be losing his standing.
"Alright, since all the important matters for today are done, and it's getting late, we should go home."
Su Yunmo was placing the jade tablet in her embrace when she heard this and paused. "Home?"
Didn't he bring her out today with the intention of abandoning her outside?
"Of course, we're going home. It's time to eat," Su Qingtian said as a matter of course.
Su Yunmo hesitated slightly. "Did you forget something?"
Su Qingtian frowned and thought hard, then his face showed panic. "Oh no, I still haven't got that string of beads!"
He immediately turned back to find the fortune teller.
But the place where the fortune teller had been was now empty. On the ground lay a fake beard and a discarded monk's robe.
It was clear that the fortune teller was not a monk from the temple.
Su Qingtian was instantly dumbfounded. "I was deceived?!"
Then he looked at the large and small beads in his hand with a troubled expression, murmuring, "Then can these really ward off disaster?"
It wouldn't be good to throw them away, so he might as well take them back, just in case they were effective.
Su Yunmo found it amusing and shook her head.
It seemed she had misunderstood today after all.
But she wondered why he had suddenly changed his mind and no longer wanted to send her away?
At this time, more people were descending the mountain. Looking down from the mountaintop, it was a sea of people, a vast crowd.
Su Yunmo saw a father and son not far away. The little boy seemed to be about her age, clinging to his father's leg and acting spoiled.
Because of the distance, Su Yunmo couldn't hear what they were saying.
She only saw the boy's father lean down and say a few comforting words, then helplessly pick him up and carry him on his shoulder.
"Come on."
Su Qingtian's voice came from beside her.
Su Yunmo turned her head and saw him half-crouching on the ground, his back bent, reaching backward.
Su Qingtian: "Don't you want to come up? Come on, I'll carry you."
Su Yunmo smiled helplessly. "No need, I can walk myself."
His changing his mind to let her stay was already a great kindness; she didn't intend to ask for more.
Su Qingtian was a little displeased and didn't ask again. He directly grabbed her wrist and unceremoniously pulled her onto his back and hoisted her up.
Su Yunmo stumbled as he pulled her, and the next second her feet left the ground. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Then she heard Su Qingtian's clear and hearty voice.
"Just get on when I tell you to. Why are you acting tough, little brat?"
He paused, then added, "Besides, there are so many people below, I don't want you to get lost. I'd get scolded by You'er when we get back."
Su Yunmo was slightly stunned and lowered her eyes, saying, "Thank you."
Su Qingtian grunted. "No need to thank me. Just don't complain to your mother about me as much in the future."
Su Yunmo couldn't help but furrow her brows and curve her lips, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'll try."
Su Qingtian felt her unconscious affection, and a soft spot in his heart stirred.
The two, one big and one small, walked slowly down the mountain, both trying their best to savor this hard-won peace.
They returned close to dusk.
Dishes had been prepared in the main hall, and Zhou Wanyou, along with her elder brother and San'er, were all there.
Lü Luo stood guard at the door, constantly looking out. Seeing the father and daughter return from afar, she immediately relaxed. "Madam, Miss and General are back!"
Su Siyuan was the first to breathe a sigh of relief when they returned and ran with his short legs to meet Su Yunmo. "Why are you back so late?"
Before Su Yunmo could speak, Su Qingtian flicked his forehead. "What are you fussing about? Your old man isn't going to sell this girl."