Chapter 269 - 277: A Time for Meeting

Yesterday, Su Wenyue experienced a burst of inspiration while designing jewelry, and even conceived the idea of opening her own Silver Store. Han Yu was destined to advance in his career, and she did not want to fall behind. Although a woman could not establish an influential career in the Court, she could still create her own successes. In her previous life, Noble Consort Li was just an ordinary woman who, through her clever intelligence, amassed wealth and resources to support Liu Xiu on his journey to power, eventually elevating herself to the position of Imperial Consort and becoming an aspirational figure for many women. However, Noble Consort Li’s ambition was too great, and her intelligence turned to cunning, plotting to the end until even her life was forfeit—thus, one must always control their ambition.

“This isn’t too difficult; I’ll take care of it.” Han Yu knew of his wife’s desire and said so. He already had an idea in mind. It was rare for his wife to express her wishes, and he would find a way, even if it were more difficult.

Upon hearing Han Yu’s words, Su Wenyue’s eyes lit up, as she believed that Han Yu never made empty promises, “Really? Do you already have someone in mind?”

“You don’t need to worry about that; I will bring the person to you when the time comes.” Han Yu didn’t want to say it wasn’t that he couldn’t tell her, he just wasn’t completely certain yet and preferred not to speak hastily.

Not pressing further, Su Wenyue trusted Han Yu to handle this small matter, “Then it’s settled. I’m entrusting this to you, but remember, they must be highly skilled craftsmen. Otherwise, I won’t accept them even if you do bring them to me.”

Su Wenyue also mentioned to Han Yu her plans to visit Lingyin Temple with Madam Liu and Aunt Feng the day after tomorrow. Han Yu didn’t express much concern, simply instructing Su Wenyue to be cautious and to go and return early. However, behind her back, he made further arrangements for her protection. Given Su Wenyue’s proneness to accidents, it wasn’t the first or second occurrence. If it had been possible, Han Yu would have accompanied her, but now that he had people in place, arranging for someone to protect her from the shadows gave him some peace of mind. As for Sikong Ling, he was probably tied up with troubles recently and wouldn’t have the time to covet his wife for the time being.

With the experience from the last outing, Su Wenyue was no longer worried about the three little ones making a fuss. She directly ‘negotiated’ with Brother Xing that as long as he didn’t create a scene, the two younger ones wouldn’t cry either. She also took her cousins, Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang, as she had yet to formally take them out. After all, the children were very young, and she had been too busy with other matters to free herself. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Lady Yue, are you sure it’s alright for you to go with us? The three children need you,” Feng Susu always felt that Su Wenyue was going to Lingyin Temple for her sake and felt somewhat uneasy.

“Don’t worry. The children have become much more sensible and obedient; they won’t cause trouble. I wanted to take my cousins out for a walk, anyway. It’s also been difficult for them, staying at home all this time. Besides, the Bodhisattva of Lingyin Temple is known to be effective. Since my cousins aren’t getting any younger, it’s a good opportunity to take them to the temple and pray for them to find good husbands,” Su Wenyue said, her tone clearly teasing as she glanced at Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang.

“Cousin, how can you say that? You’re making fun of us!” Su Lanxin stood there blushing and embarrassed, while Su Lanfang stamped her foot and clung to Su Wenyue, playfully complaining.

“I’m not saying anything wrong. Don’t you want the Bodhisattva to grant you good husbands?” Su Wenyue said with a smile, watching Su Lanfang’s face turn even redder. She didn’t tease them further, understanding that they were maidenly girls from the Marquis Mansion, where modesty was expected. Despite this, both Lan Xin and Lan Fang were looking forward to the visit.

The group arrived at Lingyin Temple, which was as busy with devotees as ever. Feng Susu looked at the sacred site with admiration and reverence, doubtful that even the Bodhisattva could fulfill her wish. The excited cousins, Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang, were experiencing such a large crowd for the first time outside of a banquet. Everywhere was infused with incense, people coming and going, and several stalls sold trinkets and street food.

Su Wenyue observed their reactions, a hint of amusement in her eyes, “Let’s pay our respects to the Bodhisattva first, and then we can come back here to browse. You might want to buy some trinkets or try the street food. I heard the snacks here are quite tasty and unique. I didn’t have a chance to try them before, but this time, we can enjoy them together.”

“Oh, yes, yes! That sounds perfect,” Lan Fang said, clapping her hands. She was more animated than usual, a marked contrast from the quiet, inconspicuous Concubine Lan described by Sikong. This showed the royal court indeed was a harsh place that suppressed one’s true nature.

Having visited twice before, Su Wenyue confidently led the way to the main hall. Han Yu had already made all the arrangements, and a temple elder was already there to welcome Su Wenyue’s party, warming her heart. Han Yu had become increasingly attentive and thoughtful. At the time, he had only casually reminded her of safety concerns, and she had thought he was too busy to pay much attention.

After praying to the Bodhisattva, Su Wenyue did as she had said and went with Aunt Feng, along with Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang, to the temple gate. She arranged for each cousin to have a servant girl and a bodyguard to shop on their own, with instructions to meet back at a stall selling glutinous rice balls in front of the temple. Su Wenyue then joined Feng Susu.

Meanwhile, another group was coming out of the abbot’s quarters, their leader looking quite displeased and grumbling, followed by soldiers who seemed a bit helpless listening to their General cursing a storm. Having searched for his wife and son for many years, the General’s impatience had become evident. Although such undignified behavior was not uncommon for him, this was, after all, a holy place, and the General’s voice was too loud. The soldiers were also struggling to bear the strange and condemning looks from the surrounding devotees.

“That damned bald donkey, spewing nonsense! I ask him where my wife and son are, and all he gives me are vague answers that give me a headache. Not a single useful word, rambling about ‘noble help’ and ‘an appointed time for meeting.’ Just a bunch of hogwash! I regret listening to that guy’s recommendation to come all this way to offer incense at Lingyin Temple. What a waste of time! He’s sure to mock me when I get back. This time I’ve been really screwed over!” An Hu vented in frustration, not usually one to believe in these things. But after years of searching in vain for his family, he had run out of options. Following a tip that Lingyin Temple’s incense was powerful and the Bodhisattva’s blessings beneficial, he had arrived hopeful, only to receive no useful information.