Outside of Chang'an City.
Yingtao looked dejected.
Su Wu Ming had clearly done a great service, yet he was demoted to a civilian. Who could bear it?
However.
Though Yingtao didn't understand the treacherous power struggles of the court.
She did understand this: Su Wu Ming must be feeling worse than her at this moment, since his lifelong pursuit was becoming an official.
So.
She comforted him with the heart of a wandering hero:
“Actually, to wander the world far and wide, is much more carefree than being an official. Vast bamboo forests, valleys filled with wildflowers, farming in the sun, reading in the rain, passing a lifetime like this, how wonderful.”
Su Wu Ming sighed:
“If I were to find a place to pass my lifetime, I would hope it to be Luoyang. My master's tomb is on the north side of Mount Mang, north of Luoyang City. A hundred years pass, we all bid farewell to the sunset, thousands of years and centuries, dust in North Mang, if I were to die, I wish to be buried next to my master.”
Yingtao picked up on the subtext in Su Wu Ming’s words.
And so she questioned him: “Su Wu Ming, what do you mean by that?”
Su Wu Ming said that he was dismissed from office this time because he betrayed Lu Ling Feng.
Which led to him being backstabbed.
Yingtao didn't believe it.
Su Wu Ming brought up his father, and his ultimate dream of becoming the Minister of the Dali Temple, that he was just an official’s slave.
Su Wu Ming was a smooth talker.
Yingtao was taken aback, her eyes sparkling with tears.
Finally.
Su Wu Ming 'revealed his true intentions', forcing Yingtao to leave him.
Yingtao was in tears.
They rode off in separate directions.
Su Wu Ming stood there for a long time, his eyes full of reluctance.
But alas, he was a civilian, with no relatives, he couldn’t even support himself, he had fallen so far, how could he possibly talk about love?
Su Wu Ming chuckled wryly.
If he had the chance to choose again.
Would he still betray his junior brother?
He would.
His dream was to be an official, but his ultimate dream was to follow his master Di Gong’s path, to be a good official.
If he couldn’t even protect his junior brother, how could he be considered good?
But…
It was a bitter truth…
“How can one achieve both in this world?”
“To not betray the Buddha, not betray you…”
“My mortal heart reflects, damaging my sacred practice…”
“Such has always been the case, why be clever?”
Where did the singing come from?
It was so beautiful?
Su Wu Ming turned to look behind him.
He saw Wang Lin, in a black robe, riding a tall black steed, very imposing.
The singing was coming from Wang Lin.
Su Wu Ming admired him in his heart.
He was worthy of being called the “Kirin Son”, a few casual lines, both appropriate and beautiful, he truly sang his heart out.
However, he chuckled wryly:
“Brother Wang, please don't make fun of me.”
“Huh? Why make fun of you? I'm also kicked out of Chang'an City, we're in the same boat.”
“Ah! Good, in the same boat, you’re riding a white horse, adorned in silk and jade, majestic… And me, a coarse cloth shirt, not even a horse… But Brother Wang, usually you’re always in white, like frost and snow, why are you wearing black today?”
Wang Lin sneered: “I’ve gone dark.”
Su Wu Ming: “?”
“Don't mind it, that is, isn't it just money? So, we’ll travel together, all food and clothing expenses are on me, plus, this young master needs a bookboy, your handwriting is pretty good, a tenth of my monthly salary, which is one guàn, how about it?”
Su Wu Ming: “Are you sure you’re kicked out of Chang'an? How come you still have a salary?”
“Oh, I forgot to mention, although I was expelled, His Majesty kept my position as Junior Minister of the Taichang Temple, my monthly salary remains.”
Su Wu Ming: “? Are you sure you were expelled?”
“Seeing you frowning, I’ve already sent Mei Er to catch up with Yingtao, she’ll be here soon.”
Su Wu Ming: “Wait, who’s Mei Er?”
“Oh, Ma… Ma, Ma Mei Er, my wife.” Wang Lin scratched his nose.
Thinking of Ma Mei Er.
Now Ma Mei Er had divorced Ma Xiong and become a free citizen of the Great Tang.
This time Wang Lin was banished from the capital.
She packed her bags and went with him without a second thought.
What else could Wang Lin say?
Of course he would travel with beauty and share the magnificent rivers and mountains of the Great Tang!
【Ding, Su Wu Ming’s affinity has increased to 40!】
Soon.
Ma Mei Er, riding a white horse, with Yingtao, whose eyes were red and swollen, came rushing over.
Of course, Ma Mei Er had adjusted her appearance slightly with 【Transformation Illusion】, temporarily preventing exposure.
But.
【Transformation Illusion】 is like Photoshop.
Women are addicted to it.
In Ma Mei Er’s hands, she had taken it to a new level.
After a night of beautification.
Ma Mei Er was simply perfect.
One word.
Beautiful from head to toe.
Any man who saw her would likely lose his soul, and if she added a little whimper, they’d probably be ready to kill.
Although Wang Lin thought it was a bit excessive, too flashy.
But then again.
Flashy?
I’ve inherited Ma Xiong's double-gold trait, Lu Ling Feng’s golden trait, and I’m riding this blood-sweating steed…
What’s wrong with being flashy?
Let’s not even mention him.
Just Ma Mei Er herself, she’s not just a delicate young lady now.
If you don’t pay attention, she could steal your soul!
Ma Mei Er was still comforting Yingtao: “Alright, alright, remember what Big Sister said, your man is just teasing you~!”
Yingtao looked at Su Wu Ming, asking pitifully: “Really?”
The situation had reached this point.
What else could Su Wu Ming do.
He sighed, making Yingtao burst into laughter.
…………
As for the destination, Wang Lin of course wanted to investigate cases and grow stronger, while also traveling west to admire the beautiful scenery.
Therefore.
He would naturally follow the plot character Su Wu Ming.
Since Su Wu Ming said he was going to the Eastern Capital.
Then the Eastern Capital would be their next stop.
The four of them became companions.
They hadn’t gone very far.
When they saw Princess Taiping waiting at the ten-mile pavilion.
Su Wu Ming was surprised.
Because the princess could appear here alone, it meant she understood his intentions and knew about his sacrifice.
Indeed.
After a conversation.
The princess directly told Su Wu Ming to go home and rest for a year and a half, and when he returned, she would appoint him as Prime Minister.
Su Wu Ming was shocked and knelt down: “The new emperor has already ascended the throne, Princess, please listen to my advice.”
The princess was furious: “I also have the surname Li, who told you that I can’t revitalize the Great Tang!”
After Su Wu Ming withdrew.
The princess met with Wang Lin alone.
She liked Wang Lin more and more:
“Wang Lin, I know you’re wronged, tell me, what compensation do you want, just ask.”
Wang Lin shook his head: “Princess, I’m going out to play for a year, I’ll be back when I’m done.”
The princess nodded: “Alright, go, when you’re tired of playing, come back to Chang'an, although he’s ascended the throne, half of the court are my people, even the seven Prime Ministers, five of them are from my school, his words… are not so golden.”
Wang Lin gave an “ok” gesture.
He said goodbye to the princess.
…………
Wang and Su were traveling together.
Four people and three horses.
Wang Lin was kind.
He asked Ma Mei Er to give her white horse to Yingtao.
Yingtao’s horse went to Su Wu Ming.
And he rode with Ma Mei Er.
Along the way.
Seeing Wang Lin and Ma Mei Er traveling carefree, Yingtao was truly envious.
At this time.
She could only resent Su Wu Ming for being like a block of wood!
However.
Yingtao soon forgot her troubles.
Because along the way.
Whenever they got hungry.
Wang Lin would perform magic.
From his small luggage, he would conjure up delicious instant noodles, fresh grilled beef.
And from time to time, there would be exquisite wines.
That’s how it was.
Delicious food, fine wine, beautiful women accompanying him.
Drinking wine, composing poetry, touring the mountains and rivers, sleeping on a beauty’s lap.
Su Wu Ming: You call that sharing the same boat?
Even the gods wouldn’t be as happy as you!