Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 304 - Chapter 304 Chapter 112 Dislikes_4

Chapter 304: Chapter 112 Dislikes_4 Chapter 304: Chapter 112 Dislikes_4 Yueyao’s words also confirmed Lady Mo’s suspicion, she replied, “Uncle, I know Zhaohua Temple is an Imperial Temple, and the courtyards within are not for those without power and status. But the last time I visited my uncle’s house, I heard from my cousin-in-law that the Duke Mansion has long rented a small courtyard inside Zhaohua Temple. I want to ask my cousin-in-law if I could stay there for two months.”

A glint of brightness flashed in Lian Dongfang’s eyes. Although it was fleeting, Yueyao caught it. She wondered, why was her uncle so pleased that she wanted to use the Duke Mansion’s courtyard?

What Lian Dongfang thought was that if Yueyao really could convince the Duke Mansion to let her use the small courtyard, it was her own skill, and he had no reason to refuse. Although Yueyao could be insubordinate, she was truly filial to old Madam, he said, “If the Duke Mansion’s people agree, then go. If not, listen to your aunt and go to Hualin Temple.”

Yueyao quickly added, “Uncle, I plan to visit my uncle’s house tomorrow.” With Lian Dongfang’s agreement, the matter was essentially settled, all that remained was to await the reply from the Duke Mansion.

Yueyao also planned to go to her uncle’s house personally as she had other favors to ask of him. Actually, she felt somewhat guilty inside–she always troubled her uncle with matters. If it were not for previously advantageing the Ma Family so significantly, she would have been embarrassed to ask yet again.

Lian Dongfang naturally would not refuse her, he said, “Just don’t be impolite!”

The news that Yueyao wanted to go to Zhaohua Temple quickly spread.

When Yuehuan heard this news, she was eating plums. She was full of questions, ditching the plums and directly seeking out Maternal Aunt Su, the only one who could answer her, and asked, “Auntie, the temple must be a harsh place to live, right?”

Maternal Aunt Su nodded, “Yes, life in the temple is extremely austere. Not only are the meals vegetarian without a trace of meat, but there are also chores to be done morning, noon, and evening. Typically, only family members who have erred are sent to either a temple or family temple. It’s a matter worth deep consideration why the Third Young Lady would want to go to such a place.”

Yuehuan puzzledly asked, “Since the days are so austere, why does the Third Young Lady want to go?” Could it be that the Third Young Lady has a tendency for self-punishment, or perhaps she is truly filial?

Maternal Aunt Su looked at Yuehuan with a bitter smile, “The Third Young Lady would not do something for no reason. Every step she takes is purposeful.” It was just that Maternal Aunt Su had not yet thought of the reason.

The real reasons Yueyao wanted to go to Zhaohua Temple were firstly to clear her name from the rumors from before; secondly to rid herself of her inner demons, clearing those left from her previous life; and thirdly, to seek an opportunity to meet with the enlightened monks of Zhaohua Temple, hoping that with a few words from these individuals, her reputation as a Jinx would naturally unravel.

Yuehuan looked at Maternal Aunt Su and said, “Auntie, actually, I can see that the Third Young Lady is a very kind person. We should not become her enemies.” She truly did not want to become enemies with Yueyao because of her aunt. Facing such an adversary, she felt they had no chance of winning. She had been trying to persuade Maternal Aunt Su lately, but to little avail.

Maternal Aunt Su glanced at Yuehuan and said, “Fourth Miss, it’s not for you and me to decide.” Knowing the Madam as she did, she knew that Madam would not let go of such a large sum of money.

Yuehuan lowered her head in frustration. Every time she discussed this topic with her aunt, she felt powerless. Ah, she was indeed seeking masochism!

Yueying murmured upon receiving the news, “My sister is going to Zhaohua Temple to pray for blessings for our grandmother.” Thinking of the old Madam’s kindness towards her, she hesitated whether she should also go.

Cai Lan said beside her, “Miss, why don’t you ask the Third Young Lady to take you with her to Zhaohua Temple for a retreat. That way, seeing your filial piety, the Old Master might just be so pleased he might let your aunt out. What do you think?”

Cai Qing thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement, “This indeed is a good method.”

Yueying thought for a while and immediately went to Lanxi Courtyard.

Yueyao was reading a book when she heard Yueying coming to find her. Yueyao put down the “Historical Records” in her hand and said softly, “No one visits the temple without a cause; you must have something to discuss.” Yueyao guessed it must be about going to the temple.

Indeed, as she had anticipated, Yueying hoped to go to Zhaohua Temple with Yueyao, ostensibly to pray for blessings for Old Madam.

Yueyao refused.

Yueying’s words carried a plea, “Third younger sister, I also want to show my filial piety for grandmother.”

Yueyao glanced at Yueying, her expression indifferent, “Eldest sister, I cannot agree to this.” Whether Yueying truly wanted to show filial piety or had other motives, Yueyao would not agree. She had her own reasons for going to Zhaohua Temple, and bringing Yueying would only disrupt her plans.

Seeing Yueyao dismiss it without a thought, Yueying said very aggrievedly, “Third younger sister, I really want to show my filial piety to grandmother.”

Yueyao said indifferently, “If you have this filial piety, staying at home and chanting or copying Buddhist scriptures is equally valid. The outside world is already spreading rumors that I am a jinx. This trip to the temple is to pray for grandmother’s blessings and also to atone for my supposed sins; I cannot bring Eldest Sister along.”

Yueying quickly said, “Third younger sister, I don’t believe these rumors, they are all nonsense, and this has nothing to do with Auntie; Auntie was framed.”

Yueyao said indifferently, “Whether Auntie was framed or not is irrelevant to me. Eldest sister, if you have nothing else, please go back! I need to copy Buddhist scriptures for grandmother.”

Yueying clenched her jaw tightly. It was always like this, last time it was Tingchao’s matter, this time it’s about going to the temple. It’s always apologies, why can’t they just agree? Why?

Yueying left quickly, and Nanny Hao, somewhat unable to understand Yueying’s thinking, asked, “Miss, is someone inciting the Eldest Miss to follow you to Zhaohua Temple?”

Yueyao nodded, “Probably someone by her side, and most likely it’s Lady Ma behind this. Letting Yueying go might be to have someone watch over me. Let her be, I won’t agree, and she can’t follow.”

Nanny Hao shook her head, “I think the Eldest Miss won’t let this go easily.”

Yueyao smiled, and said, “What can she do if she won’t let it go? Since one is born into such a status, one must accept their fate unless they have the heaven-defying ability to change it.”

Yueyao returned to Lanxi Courtyard, wrote a letter, and had it sent to the Ma family; even a visit to a cousin’s house must be prepared in advance. Showing up unannounced, unless it is for something urgent, is generally considered impolite.