Tempted by Cui Qizhou's words, the abbot decided to go with him in person.
When they emerged from the secret passage, Shi Muyuan couldn't help but sigh that Baotuo Temple truly concealed talents.
"Master Sikong, I never expected that this secret passage would lead outside the capital of Changjing."
The person addressed felt quite embarrassed. If it weren't for the sudden situation, perhaps only the abbot of the temple would have known about this secret passage, and it would have remained hidden from generation to generation.
"The temple built this secret passage just in case we might need to deal with some emergencies in the future. But since it has won the praise of the Empress Dowager, it seems the workmanship is not bad."
His relaxed words smoothly glossed over the matter, which even impressed Shi Muyuan.
Originally, she wanted to ask the man if he needed to bring more guards, fearing that the abbot might still play some tricks. But Cui Qizhou had already seen through her thoughts.
"He does have some petty tricks, but I don't take them seriously. Your Majesty, please rest assured. Nothing will go wrong."
Since he said so, Shi Muyuan had no choice but to suppress all her other thoughts.
Led by Cui Qizhou, they wandered around outside the city for several rounds and finally arrived at a village that was more secluded than the outside world.
Standing at the village entrance, the abbot looked skeptical.
"If I don't see the people I want to see when I go in, this matter won't end so easily."
Shi Muyuan rolled her eyes. She wondered how thick - skinned he could be to say such words.
It was rare that the National Teacher didn't argue with him this time.
"If you don't see the people you want to see when you go in, you can come out. I'll let you go."
His words raised the abbot's expectations: "Is this true?"
"Of course it's true. Alright, someone has been waiting for you inside for a long time. Go ahead."
The abbot walked in half - believing and half - doubting. Just a few steps in, two people eagerly welcomed him.
When they saw him, they cried loudly: "Son, why have you taken so long to see us? We've been inquiring about your news all this time. It's been so many years before we finally meet."
The two old people's voices choked with sobs as they said this. The abbot stared blankly at the people in front of him and didn't come back to his senses for a long time.
He had lost contact with the two old people before and never expected to meet them in such a scene. Although he always suspected that Cui Qizhou might set a trap for him and find someone to impersonate them, the special affection he had for the two old people in front of him could never be cast aside.
It was already two hours later after chatting with the two old people. The abbot's expression had relaxed a lot, and he no longer had the initial defensiveness when seeing them.
This time, he took the initiative to speak.
"I'm willing to confess what I've done before, but I just hope that the National Teacher can fulfill one of my requests."
The man nodded slightly and never thought of refusing.
Seeing this, the abbot finally felt relieved.
"My parents are already gray - haired. It's a pity that I've never been filial to them before. I just hope that you can take care of them for the sake of my voluntary confession."
"Sure. The innocent relatives should not be implicated. Now can you come with us?"
The abbot nodded slightly and followed behind them.
Just as they were about to leave the village entrance, suddenly a heart - rending cry came from behind.
"Son, come back quickly! You've only been reunited with us for a short time. How can you leave now? National Teacher, please. You saved us two old folks before. Now can you save my son? He has indeed done many wrong things, but he is determined to correct himself now. Please give him a chance."
Cui Qizhou frowned. He glanced at the abbot: "Didn't you already arrange everything properly? If you can't arrange it well, I'm afraid I can't agree to the conditions you proposed."
"National Teacher, please wait a moment. I'll handle this matter right away. Please remember your promise to me."
They walked a little further away, deliberately leaving space for the family.
The abbot anxiously grabbed his parents: "Father, Mother, I should be punished for my mistakes. Besides, this is the result I want. You don't need to worry about me. You must live well in the future."
No mother could bear to hear such words: "No! I can kneel down and beg the National Teacher. As long as you can be safe and sound, I'm willing to kowtow to them."
As she said this, she really wanted to go towards Cui Qizhou, but fortunately the abbot quickly stopped her.
"Father, Mother, it's my blessing to have you two in this life. You can rest assured that I'll never forget you. I just hope that for my sake, you can live a good life from now on and just pretend you don't have me as a son."
Hearing this, the two old people immediately refused.
"Why? You are guilty, but your crime is not punishable by death. Besides, I've always believed that you are a good child. You were filial since childhood and will surely correct your mistakes in the future."
The abbot was a bit helpless and looked at his mother with a complicated look in his eyes.
"Son doesn't regret making this decision. Well, it's almost time. Son will leave first. I'll bless you well in the sky."
After saying that, he quickly ran away as if he was afraid that he would regret it if he was a bit late.
Shi Muyuan no longer felt disdainful as before. On the contrary, looking at the abbot now, she thought he was not bad. At least he was not like Xiao Yue, who had lost his humanity and didn't even spare his own relatives.
They brought the abbot back to Baotuo Temple and just happened to meet the Minister of the Supreme Court. Cui Qizhou unceremoniously threw the man to him.
"Take him back for interrogation. Remember to give me a copy of the confession."
The Minister of the Supreme Court heaved a sigh of relief and quickly agreed, then took the man and left in a hurry.
Cui Qizhou looked at Master Sikong beside him, and the master took the initiative to step aside.
Shi Muyuan looked curiously, seemingly understanding something.
"Master Sikong probably wants me to take Concubine Mo back as well. You know she has never been interested in staying in Baotuo Temple."
"What the Empress Dowager said is true. Concubine Mo is not suitable to stay here."
Since Master Sikong had already said so, and considering that there would probably be a major rectification in Baotuo Temple next, Shi Muyuan actually had such an idea for a long time. Now Master Sikong's words were exactly what she wanted.
She followed up on the topic: "This still needs to consider Concubine Mo's opinion. After all, whether to stay or leave should be decided by herself."
"Then I'll trouble the Empress Dowager to go and see for herself."
After saying goodbye to Master Sikong, she took the initiative to come to Concubine Mo's courtyard. Just then, Concubine Mo was boredly teasing the ants in the yard.
She stood not far away, watching this scene and thought it was quite interesting.
"Sister has been in the public eye for so long, yet still has such a childlike mind. It's really not easy."