Master Liaoran did not disappoint Song Yaoyao. Sure enough, he spoke first:
"Princess Jiahe, you seem rather displeased to see this old monk?"
Song Yaoyao said bluntly:
"Don't you know perfectly well why I'm displeased to see you?
How many good things have you wheedled out of me? Don't tell me you've come because you've already eaten them all and want more food?"
"Must you put it so bluntly?
This is called seeking alms!
Besides, with so many monks at the temple, the things you gave us weren't nearly enough to go around."
"Like I'd believe your nonsense! You rotten old man, you're wicked to the core!
All you ever think about is getting your hands on my snacks.
There's so much delicious food in the Imperial Palace. Why must you come to me for alms?
Just say the word, and His Majesty would surely send you plenty."
"What His Majesty sends is completely different from what you have here."
"Heh."
"Actually, seeking alms is only my secondary purpose. I mainly came to discuss something else with you."
Puzzled, Song Yaoyao asked, "What is it?"
"In a few days, I'm afraid you'll have to make another trip to the frontier, Princess."
The moment Song Yaoyao heard this, she grew anxious and asked:
"I have to go to the frontier again? Are you sure?
Has something happened to my maternal grandfather?"
Realizing that Song Yaoyao had misunderstood, Master Liaoran hurriedly said:
"Princess, you've misunderstood. Nothing has happened to your grandfather.
The army he leads is advancing like a blade splitting bamboo. Everything is going very smoothly!
I'm talking about another stretch of the border."
"You mean our border with the Night Central Kingdom?"
"Indeed. That very one."
"What happened there?"
"This old monk cannot say much more. You need only know