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Chapter 575: Chapter 0575: The Murderous Intent in Front of Milan Cathedral
The next morning, after breakfast, Xiahou Yuzhu did as she mentioned to Ye Xunhuan the day before, taking Mei Hanqing and him out for a tour.
Perhaps because she had learned that the marriage between Ye Xunhuan and Qiu Ruoxi was devoid of any affection and was entirely a binding enforced by their parents, Mei Hanqing didn’t suppress herself like she did yesterday, and the guilt in her heart also lessened.
Even Mei Hanqing began wondering if she should snatch Ye Xunhuan away and become his wife herself.
It must be said that women are fickle creatures.
Having removed the barriers between herself and Ye Xunhuan, he also seemed very cheerful, with the gloominess of last night swept away.
If Xiahou Yuzhu hadn’t taken them out, perhaps the two of them would be acting just like many other young couples by now!
Because Ye Xunhuan had lied to Xiahou Yuzhu claiming he had never been to Milan, he appeared very curious about everything here.
Every time Ye Xunhuan asked something, Xiahou Yuzhu would tell him.
This trip had been almost fully arranged by Xiahou Yuzhu in advance, who took Ye Xunhuan directly to the Milan Cathedral!
The Milan Cathedral, also known as "Duomo di Milano" or "Domm di Milan," is one of the world’s five major cathedrals, second in influence only to the Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Basilica, and one of the world’s most influential churches. It is also the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, which took six centuries to complete. Architects from Germany, France, Italy, and other countries participated in its design, combining various national architectural artistic styles.
Moreover, in terms of decoration and design, the Milan Cathedral seems particularly exquisite, rich in artistic flair; the cathedral itself can even be said to be a piece of art.
The gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop its central spire shimmers dazzlingly in the sunlight, appearing magical and splendid.
The famous Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity and made it the national religion of the Roman Empire, was issued from this cathedral.
He was not visiting the cathedral for the first time, having been here before, but he was very unwelcome.
Or rather, he was the most unwelcome person in the entire Catholic Church.
In the past, he always came secretly, left after completing his business, and now he bravely walked in. The question was whether he would encounter Nicholas, the second most powerful figure in the Catholic Church after the Pope.
Would the old man not lay a hand on him upon seeing him, or would he drive him out?
Just as Ye Xunhuan was contemplating whether he would meet Nicholas or not, Xiahou Yuzhu suddenly said, "Xunhuan, Miss Mei, you two are quite fortunate today!"
"Sect Hierarch Nicholas is holding a Mass here today!"
Mass is the most important ceremony for Catholics, which is said to repeat the sacrificial offering Jesus Christ made to God on the cross; according to the Gospel, on the eve of his Passion during the Last Supper, Jesus took bread made of wheat and wine, gave thanks and blessings, transformed them into his holy body and blood, gave them to his disciples to eat and drink, and commanded his disciples to do the same in memory of him!
Believers think that by consuming Jesus’s holy body, they can receive God’s grace. Moreover, they believe that partaking of the holy body brings the effect of eternal redemption from sin.
Ye Xunhuan did not expect to be so lucky today to encounter Nicholas holding a Mass here!
No wonder so many people had gathered; it was because Nicholas had come. When did this man become so idle?
Upon hearing about the Mass, Mei Hanqing also became excited, it seemed she too was very interested in the Catholic Mass.
Consequently, Xiahou Yuzhu led Mei Hanqing to the main cathedral. At this moment, the area outside the cathedral was crowded, everyone’s face showing both piety and anticipation.
Under the expectant gaze of these devout Catholic believers, an old man wearing a black robe and holding a scepter slowly appeared, accompanied by bishops, priests, and the clergy.
Upon seeing the old man, the bustling crowd instantly quieted down, and some devout followers even knelt down immediately to worship.
"May the loving kindness of the Father, the holy favor of the Lord, and the grace of the Holy Spirit be with you all," the old man began slowly, his voice ringing out like a bell around them.
Ye Xunhuan looked at the old man, the corners of his mouth slowly curving into a smile. This old fellow was still the same as before, just like the Pope, with an appearance so benevolent that a single glance would endear him to anyone!
"And also with your spirit,"
More people knelt down on the ground, and those who did not kneel wore faces of devout sincerity.
Even Xiahou Yuzhu knelt down at this moment, her face full of devotion.
Upon seeing this, Ye Xunhuan was slightly taken aback. Was Xiahou Yuzhu also a Catholic believer?
Before long, almost everyone around Ye Xunhuan was kneeling, leaving only him and Mei Hanqing standing.
Ye Xunhuan was indifferent, donning a nonchalant air, while Mei Hanqing looked utterly bewildered. Just as he was about to follow the crowd and kneel, before he could do so, Ye Xunhuan swiftly pulled him back.
This caused Mei Hanqing to startle, looking at Ye Xunhuan with confusion written all over his face.
"The old man can’t handle the likes of your kneeling," Ye Xunhuan lowered his voice, speaking in a tone only Mei Hanqing could hear, "If you were to kneel, the old man probably won’t be able to sleep well again!"
What Ye Xunhuan said was indeed the truth; should Nicholas learn that the Marshal’s woman had knelt at the Mass he held, he would definitely have restless nights.
For Nicholas, or for the entire Holy See, Ye Xunhuan was a demon.
A demon they could not afford to provoke, the devil himself!
If his woman knelt here, it might embolden this fellow to have a profound discussion about life with the Pope in the Vatican—of course, he would definitely seek out Nicholas for a life chat as well!
That was certainly not a scenario Nicholas wished to witness. Thus, Ye Xunhuan’s refusal to allow Mei Hanqing to kneel was also for Nicholas’s benefit, to spare him sleepless nights haunted by nightmares of losing his head.
After hearing Ye Xunhuan’s words, Mei Hanqing’s confusion intensified, as if asking Ye Xunhuan why.
However, Ye Xunhuan did not explain, merely watching quietly as Nicholas conducted the Mass.
Nicholas performed the ritual of the Mass with a voice both sacred and loud, and under the brilliance of light, he seemed like an envoy of God!
Suddenly, Nicholas, who was conducting the Mass with earnest devotion, caught sight of Ye Xunhuan standing still. His pupils contracted sharply, and even his voice wavered slightly.
When Ye Xunhuan saw Nicholas looking his way, his face immediately broke into a smile, as if greeting Nicholas.
How did this demon come to be here?
Who had stirred this long-dormant madman?
What was he doing here?
At that moment, Nicholas’s heart was thrown into utter chaos.
And just then, in the crowd, a pair of eyes locked onto Ye Xunhuan!
A gun barrel hidden in a sleeve was also aimed at Ye Xunhuan at that moment!
In that instant, murderous intent erupted!
