Bai Li’s Dream – Chapter 121

Chapter 121: Gaze

The Emperor departed from the Imperial City for the Heaven Worship Ceremony. Along the way, he stopped by the Temple of the Holy Ancestor to pay his respects. By the time he arrived at the Traveling Palace, it was already dark.

The Traveling Palace had been renovated and furnished a month in advance, but Wang Degui still frowned and sighed from time to time. He scolded the eunuchs and palace maids, urging them to wipe the floors and change the bedding. He complained that everything was too dirty, the bed was too hard, and the room was too cold.

“Did they forget to light the underfloor heating system here?”

After all, although this place was adjacent to the Emperor and Empress’s bedchambers, it was ultimately a vacant space. Neither the Emperor nor the Empress would come here, so the palace servants slacked off.

Bai Ying sat on the soft couch, holding a hand warmer and yawning. “Even if the underfloor heating system was lit half a month in advance, without people living here to warm it up, it would still be just as cold.”

She gestured to Wang Degui not to make a fuss.

“We’re not here to enjoy ourselves.”

Wang Degui responded with a “Yes,” and diligently knelt down to gently massage her legs. “Your Ladyship, are you tired from the long carriage ride?”

Bai Ying smiled. Tired? Of course, she was tired, but compared to when she was demoted and banished from the capital with Prince Changyang, this was much easier.

Through the hanging gauze, she saw a sea of people and heard the cries of “Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live!” It was truly exhilarating.

As this thought flashed through her mind, Bai Ying felt a chill down her spine and couldn’t help but sit up straight and look back.

Wang Degui hurriedly asked, “What’s wrong?” and followed her gaze.

Two palace maids were wiping the pillars in the back hall. Suddenly caught by their gaze, both of them froze.

“I always feel like someone is watching me,” Bai Ying said.

“Who’s watching you?” Zhang Ze’s voice came from outside.

Bai Ying quickly retracted her gaze and looked over. She saw Zhang Ze standing at the door.

Wang Degui had already bowed respectfully. “Inspector General, have you finished your inspection?”

Bai Ying stood up and said urgently, “My heart hasn’t been at peace since I was on the road, as if I was being watched by something…”

She originally wanted to say “someone’s gaze,” but then she thought of the previous incident. It might not be a person, but a ghost or monster.

Zhang Ze said, “Your Ladyship is overthinking it. You are by the Emperor’s side, naturally you are the center of attention. Everyone is curious, speculating…”

That’s true, Bai Ying thought, with a hint of pride.

The people were all guessing who could be by the Emperor’s side besides the Empress.

Once she gave birth to this Imperial Heir, her name would be known to everyone.

“By then, Your Ladyship’s wish will be fulfilled,” Zhang Ze said. He sighed at this point. “It’s a pity that your family was exterminated and cannot celebrate with you.”

Family…

Bai Ying’s expression froze for a moment, then she smiled and reached out to caress her belly. “I hold a high position, noble beyond words. They can be considered to have died a worthy death.”

Zhang Ze suddenly took a step forward. “So what exactly was their crime?”

Bai Ying was startled and looked at Zhang Ze, who had stepped into the room. The next moment, a bell rang in her ears, and the Zhang Ze before her suddenly shattered.

She sat up with a scream.

Her vision was bright. Wang Degui was frowning and scolding a palace maid. “Can this incense burner be used? It’s not something brought from the palace.” He then turned to look at Bai Ying, somewhat apologetic, and lowered his voice. “This servant has woken Your Ladyship.”

Woken up? When did she fall asleep?

Bai Ying looked down and saw her hand resting on her waist, where the Three Purities Bell was hanging. She abruptly stood up. “There’s a ghost—”

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhang Ze’s voice came from outside.

“What’s the matter?”

As he spoke, he also stepped in, bringing with him a chill.

Wang Degui hurriedly bowed. “Inspector General, have you finished your inspection?”

Before he finished speaking, he saw that Bai Ying didn’t greet him with a smile as she usually did. Instead, she retreated, her eyes filled with fear as she looked at Zhang Ze. “You, who are you?”

Wang Degui was startled and hurriedly supported Bai Ying. “Your Ladyship, what’s wrong?”

Why didn’t she even recognize the Inspector General?

Zhang Ze’s expression turned serious. He instantly thought of something, took a step back, and turned to shout, “Wang Tong!”

The attendant behind him pushed forward Wang Tong, who was dozing off wrapped in a cloak.

Wang Tong had returned to the Temple of the Holy Ancestor, but when the Emperor finished paying his respects to the ancestor and left, Zhang Ze called him back.

Wang Tong was reluctant.

He preferred to stay up all night eating, drinking, and having fun on the pleasure boat, not walking non-stop with Zhang Ze in the middle of winter. He was exhausted.

Now, he was suddenly pushed forward and almost fell.

“What are you doing?” he shouted.

“Check this hall for evil spirits,” Zhang Ze said, then turned to instruct the attendants. “Tell those ritual specialists to immediately inspect the Traveling Palace.”

Ever since that street performer demonstrated his Zhuyou illusion techniques, Zhang Ze had gathered a group of ritual specialists. He had brought them along on this trip, having them constantly check for anyone using illusion magic.

The attendants responded and left.

Wang Tong could only wave his horsetail whisk around the hall. In any case, this was before the Emperor, and he still knew his limits.

The hall became noisy, alarming the Emperor and Empress. Seeing the influx of people and the brighter lights, Bai Ying calmed down.

She knew that this was reality, and the previous experience was a nightmare.

“You felt something was wrong on the road? Someone was watching you? And they even transformed into the Inspector General to approach you?” the Emperor asked, holding Bai Ying’s hand tightly, both anxious and regretful. “When we passed by the Temple of the Holy Ancestor, I should have let you go in together.”

The Empress sneered from the side. “We were already outside the Temple of the Holy Ancestor. If there were really evil spirits, the ancestors would have been able to eliminate them.” She then frowned at Bai Ying’s belly. “Bai, did you really dream of Empress Jiang’s ghost? Is it this Imperial Heir that is being coveted, or is it because of you? They say that a guilty conscience needs no accuser. Why do you have nightmares so often?”

Bai Ying thumped to her knees. “Your Majesty, please forgive me! Your Majesty, please forgive me! It is this concubine’s incompetence, this concubine is guilty…”

She knelt on the ground, her whole body trembling. It wasn’t entirely an act.

The Empress’s words had reminded her.

Yes, was it Empress Jiang’s doing, or…

The things she dreamed of, last time and this time, actually had nothing to do with Empress Jiang or the Imperial Heir. Instead, they persistently questioned one thing.

How did the Bai family’s crime come about?

Who would ask this question like this? Who would care about this matter?

A name came to mind.

She knew it, that monster, that monster was here!

Bai Ying trembled all over.

Of course, she could never say these words out loud.

The Emperor saw Bai Ying kneeling and was both anxious and angry.

“Who wants to feel unwell?” he scolded the Empress. “You haven’t been pregnant and given birth, so how would you know the reactions of a pregnant body?”

These words were too much. The Empress felt her face burning with pain. Her lips trembled as she pointed at the Emperor and said “Good” several times before turning and leaving in a huff.

Bai Ying knelt on the ground, sobbing and calling out, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty—”

The Emperor had already reached out and pulled her up. “Don’t mind her!” He then urged the imperial physicians to examine her.

Wang Tong inspected the hall and said there was no reaction, even giving a plausible explanation.

“Your Ladyship hasn’t been out for a long time, and your body is weak. You have been exposed to evil thoughts on the road, so your soul is restless in your sleep. Your Ladyship has the Three Purities Bell to protect you, and His Majesty’s imperial aura. Please rest assured, nothing will happen.”

After all, this time he was accompanying the Emperor. His fellow disciples had reminded him of some common phrases to use in the Emperor’s presence.

The imperial physicians also said that Her Ladyship was tired and had moved to a new residence, so she just needed to take some calming medicine.

The Emperor finally relaxed, comforting Bai Ying. “Don’t be afraid, I will stay with you tonight.”

Bai Ying leaned against him and nodded, then glanced at Zhang Ze, signaling him to speak later.

Zhang Ze understood and bowed to take his leave. “This official will inspect the Traveling Palace again.”

With that, he withdrew.

As soon as he left, Wang Tong suggested, “Can I go back to rest now? The evil spirit came once, it won’t come a second time.”

Zhang Ze ignored him and strode forward. Wang Tong naturally couldn’t leave either and was forced to follow by the attendants.

The attendants who were patrolling came towards them with two ritual specialists.

“If Her Ladyship was being targeted and subjected to magic, does this person have to be nearby?” Zhang Ze asked.

One of the ritual specialists said, “They don’t necessarily need to be nearby. Sometimes, they only need to have seen the target.”

Seen? Zhang Ze frowned. Today, His Majesty traveled, and there was a sea of onlookers, everyone watching. Countless people had seen Bai Ying. It was impossible to investigate this.

The other ritual specialist hurriedly said, “But no matter how skilled the person is, the person may not be present, but the object they are using must be nearby.”

Object? Zhang Ze stopped and looked at him.

This was the street performer who had demonstrated the illusion of transforming grass into birds and sparrows. Seeing Zhang Ze looking at him, he hurriedly pointed to the straw weaving in his arms and said, “The soul and body are one. For the soul to separate, the magic must have something to reside in.”

Zhang Ze suddenly remembered a saying: “Just like Zhuangzi dreaming of a butterfly, there must first be a butterfly.”

The ritual specialist nodded. “Exactly.”

Zhang Ze understood. He stood in front of the hall and looked around the Traveling Palace. In the darkness, the lights flickered, seeming both real and illusory.

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

In the outer hall of the Traveling Palace, although two braziers were burning, it was still somewhat cold. Zhou Jingyun sat at the table, looking at the book in front of him.

✿✿✿

It was a book brought from home, the one he read to Zhuang Li before bed.

Yesterday, while packing their luggage, Zhuang Li had packed this as well.

“I won’t need it at home alone,” she said. “Master Zhou, familiarize yourself with the latter part first, and continue reading to me when you return.”

Zhou Jingyun couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t even want to read the book herself? She was waiting for him to read it to her.

He looked up and saw the figure swaying gently in the chair opposite him.

Zhuang Li was writing, focused and serious.

She still preferred writing, Zhou Jingyun thought. He stopped looking at Zhuang Li and lowered his head to continue reading.

He felt that such companionship was peaceful and serene.

Zhuang Li, who was writing across from him, picked up the finished calligraphy and shook it. The wind it created flipped the pages of the book, and the candlestick on the table suddenly toppled over, landing on the book. The pages instantly caught fire.

Zhou Jingyun exclaimed “Oh no!” and hurriedly reached out to pat the flames. He heard the door being pushed open with a bang.

He abruptly looked up. A gust of cold wind hit his face as Zhang Ze walked in.

“Master Zhou, you’re not asleep yet?” he asked.

Zhou Jingyun blinked, his vision becoming clear. He then saw the dim light and the open book on the table.

He subconsciously glanced at the opposite side. The room in the Traveling Palace was small and simple, with only a table and a chair. There was no sign of Zhuang Li.

He had fallen asleep while reading, dreaming of being back home.

He stood up and stamped his feet. “Just reading for a bit.”

Zhang Ze’s gaze also fell on the table, and he said with a smile, “Master Zhou is truly diligent, even bringing books along.”

Zhou Jingyun said, “I’m used to reading a few pages before bed. It helps me fall asleep faster.”

A scholar indeed, Zhang Ze nodded with a smile. “I often do the same. When I can’t sleep, I read for a while.”

Zhou Jingyun couldn’t help but smile and added, “My wife does too.”

After saying those words, he felt a little regretful.

The true meaning behind Zhang Ze’s words was to belittle reading. It was his deliberate, malicious humor.

He didn’t need to glare at him like others, nor did he need to flatter him. Why did he mention Zhuang Li for no reason?

It was as if he couldn’t wait to mention her name…

Zhang Ze was also a little surprised, then he smiled, his eyes teasing. “I understand. Master Zhou is lonely in his bed.”

Zhou Jingyun didn’t explain further, not wanting to continue this topic involving his wife. He looked at the people behind Zhang Ze and heard the commotion outside.

“What are you doing!”

“Why are you searching me!”

“For His Majesty’s safety.”

Zhou Jingyun looked puzzled. “Inspector General, what is…”

Zhang Ze said, “We received a report that a forbidden object has been brought in, so we are conducting a search. Please forgive me, Master Zhou, but we need to inspect your belongings.”

Zhou Jingyun hurriedly stepped aside. “It is this official’s duty. Please feel free, Inspector General.”

Zhang Ze gestured to the attendants behind him. Two attendants and a ritual specialist entered and began to search.

Since they were only staying outside for two nights, and the Traveling Palace was fully equipped, they weren’t allowed to bring many personal items. It was just some shoes, socks, undergarments, and toiletries.

The ritual specialist looked through everything one by one. His gaze landed on the book on the table. He picked it up, flipped through it, and sniffed it.

“It’s very fragrant,” he said.

Zhou Jingyun frowned slightly at his expression and said, “It’s a book my wife usually reads.”

Women, it was inevitable for their belongings to have a fragrance.

The ritual specialist smiled apologetically, put the book down, and shook his head at Zhang Ze, indicating there was nothing unusual.

Zhang Ze nodded at Zhou Jingyun. “Master Zhou, please rest early. We have to get up early tomorrow.”

Zhou Jingyun raised his hand in return. “You’ve worked hard, Inspector General.”

Zhang Ze left with his people. The ritual specialist even thoughtfully helped to close the door. The commotion outside continued.

What happened? What was a forbidden object?

But it was best not to inquire about such matters.

Zhou Jingyun stood quietly for a moment, then walked to the table and picked up the book. Remembering the ritual specialist’s words, he subconsciously lifted it and sniffed it.

Where was the fragrance?

There was only a faint smell of paper and ink.

He shook his head and put the book away on the table. He suddenly remembered Zhang Ze’s teasing words from earlier.

Lonely in his bed?

Was that why he was reading in the middle of the night?

Zhou Jingyun couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. He walked to the bedside and sat down, looking at the candlelight.

He wondered what Zhuang Li was doing.

Was she asleep?

Would she be… lonely in her bed?

……

✿✿✿

Outside the Traveling Palace, the night wind picked up, rippling like waves, layer upon layer.

Zhuang Li’s figure undulated with the waves, retreating from Bai Ying’s dream, retreating from Zhou Jingyun’s dream, all the way back to the dream of a soldier on guard duty.

Today, on the street, she had witnessed the Emperor’s procession. The memory of that gaze lingered. With the book Zhou Jingyun had brought and that had been infused with incense, she had successfully transformed into a dream and come here to investigate.

Although she had experienced the threat of the Imperial Bell, she had not forgotten her purpose in coming to the capital.

However, Zhuang Li frowned slightly. It seemed, it seemed like she had indeed forgotten her purpose for a while.

It was as if she had come to the capital just to be a real couple with Zhou Jingyun…

Perhaps it was also because she had never had the opportunity, and her body was not suitable for taking risks.

She stood on the spear held by the soldier, looking at the Traveling Palace, which resembled a brilliant galaxy.

Compared to the Imperial Palace, the Traveling Palace was much smaller.

The good news was that there was no Imperial Bell or similar defenses here. Approaching Bai Ying would not trigger the backlash of “Tao follows Nature.”

The bad news was that Bai Ying still had protection around her. She had only just approached when her dream was shattered.

However, even so, from that one sentence, she could infer that Bai Ying was not sad about the Bai family’s fate, about the tragic deaths of her family members. Instead, she was somewhat smug.

What was she smug about?

Was she smug that everyone was dead, and she was not?

Zhuang Li took a deep breath. Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet shook, and the soldier, who had been holding the spear, charged forward.

“Hold the formation, hold the formation!” the soldier roared.

The night in the dream was no longer peaceful, churning like clouds.

Just as Zhuang Li was about to fall from the spear, she suddenly felt a gaze upon her.

This was the soldier’s dream. He was the master of this dream. The only one who could observe the dream was the master himself.

How could there be someone else’s gaze?

Zhuang Li was startled and subconsciously turned to look. The next moment, the world spun around her. There was no charging soldier, no brilliant lights of the Traveling Palace. She stood between heaven and earth.

She looked down and saw beneath her feet an empty, towering altar that seemed to connect heaven and earth.

This was not her dream.

She had entered someone else’s dream again.

No, it should be said that she had been pulled into someone else’s dream again!

Just like that time outside Lingquan Temple.

There was that gaze again behind her.

Zhuang Li turned around.

In the vast expanse of heaven and earth, there was only a pair of eyes, quietly watching her.

The title is not wrong, haha.

The last chapter was about the gaze during the day.

This chapter is about the gaze in the dream.

She looks at him, he looks at her, she looks at him, he looks at her, she looks at her… a whole lot of looking around.