On the fifteenth day of the third month, the sky was clear with scattered clouds, and spring was at its peak.
The city gate was bustling with carriages and horses since early morning.
All were ladies and young misses heading to Guoqing Temple to listen to Huaisu Dashi’s scripture lecture.
Upon reaching the mountain foot, carriages could no longer proceed. The only path to Guoqing Temple was the seemingly endless stone staircase leading up the mountain.
“Grandmother, let me support you,” Qu Ling reached out to steady the Old Madam. “If you feel tired, we can rest.”
Qu Ling believed maintaining a close relationship with the Old Madam was beneficial.
At the very least, no servants in the Hou Manor dared to show her disrespect anymore.
Although Song Shi had been released from confinement, she had completely lost her authority to manage the household affairs.
Qu Lianzhi’s relocation from Nuanshan Residence had further shifted the dynamics within the Hou Manor.
For today’s grand occasion, Song Shi had excused herself citing poor health, and had kept Qu Lianzhi confined to the manor as well.
“This must be the Old Madam of Dingxiang Marquis Manor. We pay our respects to you, madam.”
On the staircase were many women from influential families of the capital.
“Why don’t we see your Marquise and Second Young Miss? Who is this radiant young lady by your side?”
The sharp-eyed ones had already begun making inquiries.
Qu Ling felt numerous eyes appraising her from head to toe.
Maintaining a gentle smile, she continued supporting the Old Madam without speaking out of turn.
“…She has fallen ill. The Second Young Miss is a filial child, naturally attending to her mother…”
The Old Madam then pulled Qu Ling forward. “This is my eldest granddaughter. She was previously in Jiangzhou and has just returned to the capital.”
The crowd instantly fell silent.
Some young ladies even took two steps back, their gazes toward Qu Ling completely transformed.
Qu Ling remained unbothered.
After all, the reason for her stay in Jiangzhou was something Song Shi likely couldn’t stop talking about.
The Old Madam naturally sensed the change. “This child lost her mother early, but fortunately the Princess has always doted on her. See, she just returned to the capital and the Princess already sent her personal attendants.”
She pointed out the maids and matrons following Qu Ling.
At the mention of the Princess, all looks of disdain vanished, and people averted their eyes, no longer daring to stare at Qu Ling.
“My A’Ling is a good child,” the Old Madam said with satisfaction at their reactions, raising her head and straightening her posture. “She went to Jiangzhou to recuperate. Now that she’s back, I hope you all will show her kindness.”
With a cheerful laugh, she led the Qu family members to continue their ascent.
Behind them, several matrons gathered and whispered among themselves.
“Wasn’t it said before that this Eldest Miss Qu was sent to Jiangzhou because she stabbed the Marquise?”
“No, I heard from my son that the stabbing incident six years ago was actually the Marquise’s self-inflicted scheme.”
“Where did your son hear that? How would he know about matters within the inner quarters?” someone questioned skeptically.
“The one sent to Jiangzhou to fetch Eldest Miss Qu was the illegitimate son of the Hou Manor’s second branch. He’s rather shiftless, idling about the capital all day with loose lips. All the noble youths who associate with him know about this.”
“So your son is also one who idles about the capital all day?” someone teased.
The matron who provided the information immediately stiffened. Her son was merely youthful and would improve with age.
“Let’s hurry along. If we delay further, we might miss Huaisu Dashi’s lecture.” A voice tinged with laughter sounded.
Following the voice, they saw the wife of Jingwei Marquis.
She wasn’t a conventional stunning beauty, but carried an innate nobility and grace that made her unforgettable.
“Your A-Yuan also returned from Jiangzhou, didn’t he? Did he tell you anything?”
When someone mentioned Chi Yuan, Jingwei Marquis’s Wife responded quite coldly, “He was raised by his grandmother and isn’t close to me. Such casual conversations naturally wouldn’t be shared with me.”
The questioner realized their blunder and awkwardly excused themselves first.
“Madam, the eldest young master also came to Guoqing Temple today,” the maid beside Jingwei Marquis’s Wife said.
Jingwei Marquis’s Wife showed no reaction. “His coming has nothing to do with me.”
Her indifferent expression would make one think they were complete strangers.
People gradually arrived at the entrance of Guoqing Temple.
Everyone was panting heavily from exhaustion, leaving no energy to inquire about others’ affairs.
“Give the Buddhist scriptures to the temple monks. They’ll be enshrined before the Buddha later,” Old Madam instructed as soon as she caught her breath.
“Grandmother, let me do it,” Qu Lianxue offered with an ingratiating smile after remaining silent throughout the journey.
Knowing her difficult circumstances, Old Madam nodded, giving her this opportunity to gain visibility and meet more young ladies from the capital.
Qu Ling smiled gently. “Then I’ll trouble you. Should I have Sushang accompany you?”
“No need,” Qu Lianxue said. “We only brought one maid today. Sister should keep Sushang by your side to attend to Grandmother.”
Seeming afraid that Qu Ling would insist on Sushang accompanying her, she didn’t wait for Qu Ling to speak further, personally took the box containing the scriptures, bowed, and left.
“Grandmother, let’s go in first,” Qu Ling said, supporting Old Madam as they walked toward the main hall for the scripture lecture.
Quite a few people had already arrived.
Acquaintances gathered in groups to chat.
Seating was arranged according to rank.
Dingxiang Marquis Manor held a noble title and was related by marriage to the Song Family, so their position was quite forward.
Qu Ling’s gaze fell on the first row, which undoubtedly included the Song Family, though they hadn’t arrived yet.
By convention, the front row should be reserved for imperial princess Consorts.
Yet for many years, the Song Family had been seated alongside the Zhao Family without anyone questioning it.
“Grandmother, I’d like to take a walk outside,” Qu Ling mentioned during a pause in Old Madam’s conversation.
Old Madam hesitated slightly.
“I heard from the Princess that before delivering his lecture, Huaisu Dashi meditates by the Transmigration Pond in the back mountain,” Qu Ling whispered.
“If we could meet the master alone, he might offer additional guidance for Hou Manor.”
Old Madam was indeed tempted and advised, “Be careful and return quickly.”
Qu Ling nodded promptly and quietly withdrew with Sushang.
The meditation story was, of course, fabricated to deceive Old Madam.
“Go find Qu Lianxue…” Qu Ling whispered into Sushang’s ear.
Sushang’s figure soon disappeared.
Qu Ling glanced back at the main hall, where people continued to stream in.
She didn’t dare wander too far.
Noticing a sign pointing to “Transmigration Pond” under the corridor, she thought it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.
A gentle spring breeze swept through Guoqing Temple, filling it with vitality.
Ascending the stone steps, she passed crabapple and pear trees planted on both sides. In full bloom during this season, their pink and white blossoms resembled clouds and snow, scattering with the wind to carpet the ground in splendor.
Bronze bells hanging from the ancient temple’s eaves chimed softly in the wind, their clear tones blending with birdsong to enhance the Zen atmosphere.
Qu Ling walked slowly until, turning past a sea of flowers, her view suddenly opened up to reveal the Transmigration Pond.
Lifting her eyes, her pupils constricted slightly.
Why was Chi Yuan here too?
He wore a moon-white robe today and was playing chess with a young monk.
The sleeves of his robe fluttered gently in the breeze. His slender fingers held a black chess piece, his gaze lowered in focused concentration.
Qu Ling stared at him unblinkingly, forgetting what she had intended to do.
Chi Yuan seemed to sense her presence. When their eyes met, his gaze was as clear as pond water, yet carried a hint of elusive amusement.
A breeze swept through, scattering petals that drifted onto the chessboard and settled upon his shoulders.
“Miss Qu, why have you come here instead of remaining in the main hall?”