Chapter 115: Entering the Monastery

Several older women exchanged glances. Although they still harbored some apprehension, the Seventh Young Mistress was bound for the Taoist temple, and when she might return was uncertain. No matter how skilled she was, her reach was limited now.

Looking at the fully loaded cart, it likely concealed many valuable items. Since the household’s mistress was absent, the most precious belongings had surely been taken along. As the legitimate daughter, the Seventh Young Mistress must have accumulated countless treasures over the years. With so many people around, a few things going missing would hardly raise suspicion.

Just as He Ma and the other women were about to make a move, Qingliu snapped angrily, “Whoever dares lay a hand, first return the money owed to our mistress!”

“Miss Qingliu, please don’t trouble us servants. Some things we have no choice but to do…” He Ma spoke softly, but her eyes showed no sign of backing down. Her sharp glance swept over Qingliu.

“Yes, Miss Qingliu, we won’t break anything this time,” the older women quickly added, genuinely fearful that the Seventh Young Mistress might suddenly lose her temper and force them to repay the debts immediately.

Qingliu sneered coldly, “That’s not so certain. If anything else gets broken, will you all have to write new IOUs again?”

The women exchanged a look with He Ma. They still shuddered at the memory of being ‘tricked’ by the Seventh Young Mistress last time—a loss equivalent to several months’ wages, a pain that lingered for a long while.

He Ma eyed the calm and collected Seventh Young Mistress, puzzled. This clever girl might have set a trap for them again, but these orders came straight from Madam Wen. If they did nothing and let the Seventh Young Mistress leave, how would they report back?

Wen Jing smiled faintly as she observed these old foxes, eager for a bargain yet fearful of losing everything. “Qingliu, let them search.”

He Ma’s heart tightened at the teasing glint in Wen Jing’s eyes. Seeing the hesitation growing in the women’s eyes, if any valuable items—or anything else—were found inside…

“Enough. The Seventh Young Mistress is always prudent. I wish her success on the path,” He Ma said, secretly relieved. The others breathed easier too; taking a cheap win from Wen Jing was nearly impossible—better to try their luck with the Fifth or Eighth Young Mistress.

“Thank you, He Ma.” Wen Jing glanced back at the estate before stepping into the carriage.

Suddenly, the curtain was pulled aside. Wen Jing turned to look at He Ma, a faint, inscrutable smile playing on her lips.

He Ma was startled. Watching the carriage disappear down the road, she was filled with frustration. How she wished she had struck at the right moment—now she might have let slip a great opportunity.

“Madam, why are you smiling?” Qingliu asked in surprise.

Wen Jing shook her head without replying. With He Ma’s suspicious nature, she would likely lose sleep for half a month over this—a golden chance for merit wasted.

“Even if they search, it’s nothing but some old bedding and clothes,” Qingliu continued.

Wen Jing smiled slightly, leaning close to Qingliu’s ear. “I’ve hidden quite a few ‘treasures’ inside.”

Qingliu was startled; she had no idea when the Seventh Young Mistress had slipped those in. A pang of envy stirred within.

Seeing Qingliu’s reaction, Wen Jing laughed softly. “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I originally planned to tell you at the temple.”

Qingliu’s face flushed faintly. Though her darker complexion hid it well, she whispered, “Madam, you never need to explain anything to your servant. I only feared accidentally ruining something.”

Had she known the cart held valuables, she wouldn’t have so boldly allowed He Ma to inspect it. Perhaps that was why He Ma was so intimidated. At the slightest sign of suspicion, she would have thoroughly searched. Qingliu couldn’t help but admire her mistress’s calm composure earlier. Had He Ma insisted on a search, things might have turned grim…

Wen Jing gently patted Qingliu’s hand. “I consider you family. How could I ever keep secrets from you? It’s just that right now…”

“Madam, no need to explain. I understand,” Qingliu said quietly, pressing her lips together.

Wen Jing nodded. She truly had no intention of hiding things, but she knew Qingliu’s nature well. Though resourceful, she was no match for a seasoned schemer like He Ma.

...

The Hua Qing Temple was nestled halfway up the mountain, originally built as a serene retreat by a wealthy family. The head of the temple was Madam Feng, a widow from the Feng clan, who had gradually expanded the temple’s influence. Many noble families with delicate matters preferred to have Madam Feng intervene quietly. Most disciples in the temple were strikingly beautiful, and Madam Feng enjoyed an excellent reputation in the capital. This was why Wen Qiran chose to send his daughter to Hua Qing Temple—endure a few months of hardship to gain a sterling reputation, all benefits with no harm to Wen Jing.

The Wen family carriage rolled into the temple grounds, where several Taoist nuns emerged.

Wen Jing alighted, slightly taken aback. Though Hua Qing’s nuns were famed for celestial beauty and skill, the few before her were burly and dark-skinned, far from the ethereal beauties she had imagined. One even sported a beard, resembling a rough man at first glance…

“Are you the Seventh Miss Wen?” the bearded nun stepped forward, her voice rough and masculine.

Wen Jing bowed slightly. “Yes, this is she.”

The bearded nun glanced at the mule cart loaded with goods, frowning. She snorted coldly, “This is a place of pure cultivation, not a resort for pampered young ladies. Leave behind your household’s luxuries. If you seek to use our temple’s reputation for deceit, better return home now—you won’t endure this hardship.”

Her words were sharp and merciless. Qingliu bristled and was about to retort but was stopped by Wen Jing.

“These are just old bedding and clothes, nothing valuable,” Wen Jing smiled calmly.

The bearded nun’s expression hardened. “Unload everything. I’ll check what may be brought in and what must stay out.”

Wen Jing signaled Qingliu, who, along with two servants, began unloading the boxes onto the ground.

“Open them,” the bearded nun ordered coldly.

Qingliu glanced at Wen Jing, then reluctantly opened the boxes.

“Oh? Old bedding, you say? Look here—fine temple brocade. Truly the daughter of a noble family. Such bright, fresh ‘old clothes.’ Sorry, none of these may enter!” The bearded nun sneered, scattering the garments across the floor.

“These are just old cotton clothes. Why can’t we bring them?” Qingliu protested, gathering the clothes back into the boxes.

The bearded nun’s face darkened. “In this temple, rules must be followed. If you want to show off, do so at your mansion.”

Qingliu tried to argue further but was pulled back by Wen Jing.

“As you wish, Taoist.”

The bearded nun then pointed to another box containing bronze mirrors, wooden combs, ink, brushes, and paper. “These are also forbidden.”

Wen Jing’s expression chilled. “And why is that?”

“Our temple provides all necessary supplies. You may pay fifty strings of cash for them,” the bearded nun replied indifferently.

“Fifty strings?” Qingliu blurted. This wasn’t a temple but a protection racket!

The bearded nun said nothing, only twisted her ugly mouth into an even more repulsive grin and turned to leave.

“Here is fifty strings for the Taoist,” Wen Jing said calmly.

The bearded nun turned back, extending her hand toward Qingliu.

Gritting her teeth, Qingliu pulled out five ten-string notes and slammed them into the nun’s palm.

“If you want her brought inside, another fifty strings are due,” the bearded nun grinned maliciously, her square face even more unsightly.

Qingliu laughed bitterly—this temple truly took everything and left nothing.

“Here is another fifty strings for the Taoist,” Wen Jing said without a flicker of emotion.

The bearded nun glanced at Wen Jing, surprise flickering in her eyes. She hadn’t expected this seemingly fragile young lady to pay without hesitation. Clearly, money was no object.

Qingliu produced another five ten-string notes and handed them over.

“Take these boxes back,” the bearded nun said, pointing to the scattered baggage.

“May we leave these boxes stored temporarily inside the temple?” Wen Jing asked.

“No,” the bearded nun replied without hesitation.

Wen Jing suddenly smiled faintly at the nun behind her. “Long time no see, Holy Nun. Your ethereal grace surpasses even before.”

“Holy Nun,” several nuns quickly bowed to her.

“When did the temple forbid storage of belongings?” Taoist Ruan asked the bearded nun.

Qingliu watched Wen Jing and Taoist Ruan curiously, secretly pleased. From the earlier interaction, it appeared her mistress knew this nun. No wonder Wen Jing had such confidence when the Holy Nun came to exorcise at the Wen estate before. Madam Wen would never have guessed the woman she hired to deal with the Seventh Miss was already an old acquaintance.

“Carry everything to the storeroom. I have business and must go down the mountain,” Taoist Ruan said, then boarded a carriage and left.

The bearded nun shot a glance at Wen Jing and Qingliu. “Follow me.”

They arrived at a dilapidated side room. The nun said, “This is your lodging. Clean it up, and don’t wander about. Punishments will follow if you do.”

Wen Jing nodded, entering with Qingliu. Though shabby, the room was liveable with cleaning. The fresh mountain air and beautiful surroundings made up for its flaws.

Two other burly nuns entered carrying thin quilts and earthenware pots.

Qingliu’s anger flared. “One hundred strings for these pitiful things?”

“Better than nothing. Don’t want them? I’ll take them away. It’s colder here than the city; the night wind bites,” one nun said with a forced smile.

“Exactly. This temple is for quiet cultivation, not for you to feast and be warm,” another sneered.

“Both Taoists are right. Qingliu, accept them,” Wen Jing said calmly.

Qingliu took the quilts and placed them on the bed, forcing down her anger, reminding herself there was no fairness here.

The bearded nun looked at Wen Jing approvingly. “Stay here for now. The abbot will set the day for your hair binding ceremony.”

After the three left, Qingliu finally spoke, “Why are the people in this temple so cruel? It’s bad enough they’ve never seen money, but they act as if we owe them.”

Wen Jing smiled. “You survived here all these years. How could you not endure a little more hardship now?”

“That’s different. I don’t mind suffering myself, but I can’t bear to see others treated like this,” Qingliu said, lowering her brows.

Seeing Qingliu’s frustration, Wen Jing said lightly, “It’s easier to deal with those who openly treat you harshly than those who smile with knives hidden behind their backs, isn’t it?”

Qingliu nodded. These nuns seemed fierce, but compared to the flatterers and backstabbers at the estate, they were easier to handle. Thinking so, her anger subsided somewhat.

“But these few items—will we really rely on them to survive the winter?” Qingliu looked at the two thin quilts, worry creasing her brow. This shabby temple was plainly designed to make life hard. It was cold now, and it would only get colder. Two quilts, even four, wouldn’t suffice. Forget about a stove.

“There will be a way. Don’t worry,” Wen Jing said, stepping out. Since they were here, they might as well settle in. The mountain scenery was mesmerizing—mist weaving through the valley, towering pines and stones, an old stone table and chairs under the trees. The air was filled with a celestial aura. Wen Jing closed her eyes, savoring this tangible blessing.

...

“Sister Mingqing, I heard this young lady comes from a wealthy family, plenty of profit to be had. In a few days, when the mountain chill gets to them, they’ll come begging for quilts themselves,” a short, ugly nun whispered to the bearded nun.

The bearded nun smiled faintly but said nothing.

“With just those clothes and bedding, they can fetch a pretty price,” another nun chimed in.

“The abbot told us to ‘entertain’ her well. This one’s a big, fat sheep—much fatter than those who came before,” the short, ugly nun smirked.

Mingqing cast the two a glance. “Mingxiu, Mingyuan, watch closely. I don’t think this young lady is so simple. We must be careful not to let anything go wrong.”

“Don’t worry, sister. They came easily enough, but leaving won’t be so simple. They didn’t come with good intentions either—just seeking fame and fortune. The question is, who’s the hook, and who’s the fish?” the short nun said.

Mingqing nodded, and the three disappeared down the road’s end.