That night, Gu Zhan suffered nightmares again. This time it was even worse than the previous two nights, and he was even driven to the point of having suicidal thoughts. The Old Royal Consort was terrified. The next morning, she immediately took Gu Zhan out of the Prince’s Estate and headed to the Zhen’guo Temple. At the same time, in Gu Zhan’s name, all tenant farmers under the estate were exempted from one year’s land rent, in hopes of accumulating merit for him.
At the gates of the Marquis Household
Gu Lin watched as the Old Royal Consort and Gu Zhan departed, then said in a low voice, “Search the entire Yifeng Residence thoroughly.”
He still suspected someone was harming Gu Zhan.
Marquis Yong’an soon received the news and informed Wen Yunyue.
“Yunyue, do you know why the Second Master is going to Zhen’guo Temple at this time?”
The matter of Gu Zhan’s nightmares had already been sealed off by the Prince’s Estate, so outsiders did not know.
Wen Yunyue shook her head.
“I do not know. Yesterday I originally planned to visit the Second Master at the Prince’s Estate, but I was told he was not seeing visitors recently.”
Marquis Yong’an’s expression darkened. Wen Yunyue and Gu Zhan were already engaged, how could she be considered an outsider? Could the Prince’s Estate be trying to break the engagement?
He had worked hard to attach himself to the Prince’s Estate. He could not allow anything to go wrong now.
After a moment of thought, he asked, “Yunyue, is it almost the fifteenth of the fourth month?”
“Yes, Father.”
“This year marks your maternal grandmother’s tenth memorial anniversary. Your mother must be very saddened. Stay at the Zhen’guo Temple with her for a few more days and do not rush back.”
Wen Yunyue’s fingers tightened slightly inside her sleeve, though her expression remained obedient.
“Thank you, Father. I will pray sincerely for my grandmother.”
In her heart, however, cold anger stirred. He had not once visited her grandmother in ten years, yet now used the anniversary for his own benefit.
She suppressed her emotions. Soon, some people would have to pay the price.
After exchanging a few more words, Marquis Yong’an left.
Wen Yunyue returned to the main courtyard and met Wen Sixin, who had come to greet the Old Royal Consort.
Wen Sixin was the Marquis’s illegitimate eldest son, fourteen years old, intelligent and polite, though not favored by his father.
He bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Elder Sister.”
Wen Yunyue nodded. “How have you been lately?”
“I have been well. The new teacher is very knowledgeable.”
Wen Yunyue smiled lightly and patted his head before letting him leave.
Inside the hall, the Marquis Yong’an’s Wife was reviewing account books.
“Do you like him?” she asked.
Wen Yunyue replied calmly, “Father only has two sons.”
It was not about liking or disliking. She simply did not want Jiang Yiniang’s son to inherit the title.
The Marquis Yong’an’s Wife sighed. “That is not something you can decide.”
Wen Yunyue sipped her tea. “Who can say what will happen in the future?”
Zhen’guo Temple was located outside the capital. It took about two hours by carriage from the Prince’s Estate.
The temple gates were grand and imposing, befitting the most famous temple in the capital.
Gu Zhan looked at it absentmindedly, thinking that if it existed in later generations, it would likely become a cultural heritage site.
The Old Royal Consort gently said, “Zhan’er, come in with Mother.”
Inside the main hall, they met the abbot of the temple, Liaohui Master. Like the previous monk, he had a kindly appearance, but Gu Zhan did not feel much goodwill toward him.
After examining Gu Zhan, Liaohui Master spoke slowly, “The young master’s physiognomy seems to have changed.”
The Old Royal Consort quickly asked, “Please explain in detail.”
Liaohui Master said, “Previously I calculated that he would face a life-and-death tribulation in a few years. But today, the fate seems to have shifted.”
“Is his life still in danger?” she asked.
“I cannot determine,” he replied.
Gu Zhan almost spat blood internally. What kind of answer was that?
The Old Royal Consort pressed further, “Do you know why his fate has changed?”
Liaohui Master said, “He must have met a benefactor.”
Both the Old Royal Consort and Gu Zhan were stunned.
The Old Royal Consort immediately thought of past suspicions and became doubtful of previous claims. Gu Zhan, on the other hand, thought of the other monk—Liaokong Master—and sneered internally. These monks were all good at talking nonsense.
After a short exchange, they were taken to a small courtyard.
Gu Zhan chose the left wing room in the courtyard.
Zhang Liu brought several volumes of Buddhist scriptures. “Second Master, the Old Royal Consort asks you to copy scriptures today and attend morning recitations tomorrow.”
“I understand.”
Gu Zhan knew he had to endure this.
He also remembered his biggest issue: his handwriting was different from the original owner’s.
He needed time to imitate it.
So he had even brought old copied manuscripts written in the original owner’s hand.
Gu Zhan began copying carefully.
Half an hour later, Zhang Liu came again. “Second Master, it is time for dinner.”
At the dining hall, Gu Zhan forced himself to eat only half a bowl of rice.
After dinner, the Old Royal Consort repeatedly reminded him to be sincere in copying scriptures. Gu Zhan returned to his room and continued practicing handwriting.
Later, hungry again, he finally left the room.
Zhang Liu and others followed him, but Gu Zhan stopped them.
“No need to follow me.”
Zhang Liu hesitated. “Second Master, we are responsible for your safety.”
“In a Buddhist temple, who would dare act recklessly?”
In the end, they could only watch him leave.