“Cu… Cunzhen Temple?”

Along with the young girl’s familiar yet excessively cold voice, the more than ten members of the Xiao family gathered in the main hall outside the room, who were originally discussing something, instantly fell silent.

“Wh… what is Second Miss going to the temple for at this time?”

Afraid something unexpected might happen, the eldest aunt on the side hurriedly rubbed the few walnut kernel crumbs on her hands and eagerly asked. The others sitting at the round table not far away also almost simultaneously stopped their movements.

Unfortunately, there was no chance for them to ask more. As if it were merely a notification, without even glancing at these people before her, An Ning quickly closed the door curtain again.

“This girl, her temper is getting worse and worse!”

Seeing her niece turn her head and leave without even saying a word, the eldest aunt couldn’t help but complain quietly.

Unfortunately, as soon as she finished speaking, she was scolded back by the Xiao family’s Old Master sitting at the head of the table.

There was no loud reprimand, just a single sentence:

“Eldest daughter-in-law, if you don’t want to live here anymore, then get lost back to your own place right now.” It immediately made the previously arrogant eldest aunt, like a chicken with its neck pinched, instantly stop her voice.

Then came Old Master Xiao’s voice, noticeably somewhat low:

“Shortsighted thing, it’s not the first time Ning has gone to that temple, what’s there to make such a fuss about!”

Even so, the Old Master still immediately turned his head and looked towards his two grandsons standing by the third household and second household respectively:

“Second Son, Third Son, you two remember to get up early tomorrow and go with your Ning.”

Both were in their teens, nearly old enough to start families, so how could they not understand the meaning behind these words.

After speaking, seeing the hesitation on Second Son’s face, Old Master Xiao heavily knocked on the table again:

“Second Son, don’t think this old man is heartless and unreasonable. This is a matter concerning the lives of the whole family. If something happens to your second sister, that Noble Lady could crush us with no more effort than crushing an ant!”

After a moment of silence, Second Son Xiao ultimately nodded.

Not far away, Third Son Xiao subconsciously reached out, extremely carefully touching his newly donned blue official uniform.

Unexpectedly, the next day, before the group set off, upon learning of this, Lady Yang specifically, despite her ill health, was supported step by step by her husband and son to the main gate.

Looking at her little disciple, who had become much thinner in such a short time, Xie Shuyu’s eyes immediately reddened. Originally a thin and frail person, the somewhat oversized snow-white long gown she wore now made her appear even more delicate and fragile.

Actually, in terms of facial features, the Lady Yang before her wasn’t considered exceptionally beautiful, especially since she often bore a sickly pallor. Yet even so, she still exuded an unattainable aura.

An Ning reached out and slowly grasped the other’s outstretched palm. This was also the first time in so long that any emotion showed in An Ning’s dark, clear eyes.

Yet even so, at this moment, the young girl before them still hadn’t shed a single tear.

However, seeing this, Lady Yang’s face paled even more. Trembling, she tightly gripped her disciple’s hand:

“If I had known it would be like this, Ning Ning, your master truly regrets…”

What she regretted, Lady Yang couldn’t say now…

Regretted not holding back, insisting on passing her skills to someone she shouldn’t have?

Or regretted not being more careful, or simply adopting the girl into her own family earlier?

Unfortunately, there were no more “ifs.”

Just as she could never have refused a genius who, after just a few glances, could sketch a lifelike chrysanthemum painting using only a twig.

Nor could she have refused a little girl who stared eagerly at the writing desk, her eyes shining with light.

As her health was truly poor and her emotions were too agitated, before long, Xie Shuyu became too weak to stand and was taken away by Tutor Yang and her son, their faces full of anxiety.

Just before leaving, Tutor Yang still reached out and took a lake-blue purse with an orchid pattern embroidered at the bottom from the sleeve of his somewhat faded, whitish long gown:

“Ning Ning, this is the pocket money your master saved for you. Originally, it was meant to…”

“Ah, anyway, remember from now on, no matter where you are, just take good care of yourself.”

Silently accepting this not-light purse, on the slow-moving ox-cart, An Ning couldn’t help but recall something.

Actually, according to the original host’s memories, fearing her disciple’s talent would be buried, this Lady Yang, the original host’s master, had later considered taking the original host in as a daughter to raise at home.

But unfortunately, while the original host’s parents weren’t particularly clever, Old Master Xiao was no fool, especially since by then the original host had already shown some talent in this area.

To choose between a golden egg now or the future hen that could lay golden eggs continuously—clearly, the Old Master’s choice was already evident.

Especially since Tutor Yang and his wife weren’t particularly wealthy themselves.

Leaving other things aside, just the medicine and tonics Lady Yang needed every year for her health amounted to a significant sum…

While pondering, Cunzhen Temple soon came into view.

Mid-September, right during the crisp, clear autumn weather.

Cunzhen Temple was situated on a mountaintop in the suburbs. Along the way, the scent of flowers and clear, melodious birdsong could be heard intermittently. The scenery was truly excellent, and the place was already packed with people early on.

Looking closely, most were scholars dressed in blue robes.

Don’t misunderstand;
these people weren’t here to worship.

Because the previous two emperors both revered Buddhism, Daoism had already been in decline for a long time. The reason it could still attract such a decent crowd nowadays was largely thanks to the temple’s abbot being a master of landscaping…

Ah, no, he should be called a marketing genius instead.

Several widely circulated, excellent poems and literary works, combined with the uniquely beautiful scenery crafted within the temple grounds.

Thus, through repeated visits, the crowd naturally grew!

The original host was also one of them, or rather, she had come even earlier. After all, even the best talent, when stuck in a village without a certain breadth of vision, isn’t enough.

This Cunzhen Temple was one of the places the original host and her master often visited for artistic inspiration.

Therefore, almost as soon as An Ning stepped into the main hall, the temple abbot, Abbot Wuwei, hurried over, his eyes lighting up—ah, no, he approached with the dignified air of a lofty master.

“Infinite Heavenly Lord, no wonder this humble Daoist kept hearing magpies chirping incessantly in the mountains this morning. So it was because you, the benevolent devotee, have arrived!”

The abbot before her was around fifty, yet he looked only about thirty. Dressed in a blue Daoist robe, he did have a somewhat ethereal, immortal-like demeanor at first glance. But don’t misunderstand;
this wasn’t due to profound Daoist cultivation, merely diligent daily maintenance…

Clearly, to maintain the facade of his temple, this abbot had put in considerable effort.

For example, right now:

“Is it still the original Listening to Bamboo Courtyard? Please rest assured, benevolent devotee, this humble Daoist has kept the previous courtyard reserved for you.”

Without waiting for An Ning to speak, he eagerly continued:

“To be honest with you, benevolent devotee, some time ago this humble Daoist was fortunate enough to acquire some rare autumn chrysanthemums. If you happen to be free now, why not accompany this humble Daoist to take a look…”

Of course, if this one could be inspired to compose a few more poems or essays, adding another brick to the temple’s reputation, ah, that would be even more wonderful!

Although earlier, these master and disciple had repeatedly hinted, both openly and subtly, that the poem he had luckily picked up was actually composed by Lady Yang.

But just ask, with this old Daoist’s discerning eye, how could he not see who the true prodigy was?

As if thinking of something, Abbot Wuwei’s steps became even lighter.

A talent indeed. Not far away, seeing this scene clearly, An Ning couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her mouth. What a pity:

“Thank you for your kindness, Abbot. I wonder if that small courtyard at the mountain peak is still available…”

Ah?

As if not expecting to be refused, the abbot looked up at the bare branches and seemed stunned for a moment.

It was then, glancing at the increasingly aloof old acquaintance before him and then at the two people following closely behind her, that this old abbot suddenly realized that today… today she seemed somewhat unusual!

Because of this concern, after personally escorting her to the location, Abbot Wuwei himself did not leave immediately.

At that time, even Wuwei himself didn’t expect that this bit of hesitation would lead to a scene this old Daoist would never forget for the rest of his life…

Right up to his dying day, this day remained firmly etched in the depths of the old Daoist’s heart.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep