A question popped into Xiao Wu’s mind. ’See soone? Who?’
But the thought was fleeting. A wave of exhaustion washed over her, and she soon tilted her head and drifted off to sleep.
...
The next day, when a Little Monk ca with an invitation, Xiao Wu finally learned who her sister had said she was going to see.
Master Shiyuan.
Hearing the na, Xiao Wu froze. She had a vague feeling she’d heard it sowhere before, but she couldn’t quite recall where.
It wasn’t until she followed her sister to the ditation room and saw the kind-faced, benevolent-looking old man in gray robes that her confusion deepened.
’She’d really never t him before!’
She had an excellent mory. If she had t soone, she would never forget them. But this man was a complete stranger to her.
Ye Chutang ca to a stop, pressed her palms together, and bowed respectfully. "Master Shiyuan."
The old man chanted "Amitabha Buddha," his gaze on Ye Chutang both kind and filled with emotion.
"Second Miss Ye, I trust you’ve been well."
Xiao Wu’s eyes widened. ’He really does know my sister!’
A faint smile touched Ye Chutang’s lips. "It’s been three years, Master. You haven’t changed at all. I’m afraid my return this ti has caused you trouble, however."
Master Shiyuan sighed softly.
"I have heard of the recent events in the capital. You have truly been through a great deal, Second Miss Ye. What little I’ve done is rely a trifling effort, hardly worth ntioning."
Ye Chutang thanked him sincerely.
"I never intended to drag you into these conflicts. This was a asure of last resort."
Master Shiyuan ran his fingers over his Buddha Beads. "Three years ago, Second Miss Ye, you saved the people of an entire region from the suffering of a plague. Your rit is imasurable. If I can be of assistance, I will naturally do everything in my power."
At these words, it was as if a light went on in Xiao Wu’s head. She finally rembered who this man was!
Fourth Brother had told her that when her sister had led them south during their escape, they passed through a place ravaged by plague. Her sister had stayed there for so ti, writing prescriptions to treat the sick and save the populace.
Her sister had t many people there, and he was one of them!
But that had been a long ti ago, and Fourth Brother rarely spoke of it. If it weren’t for Xiao Wu’s good mory, she likely wouldn’t have any recollection of it at all.
Ye Chutang’s smile widened. "I’m afraid I’ll have to impose on you for a while longer. I hope you don’t find us too much of a nuisance."
In truth, when she left the Capital City yesterday, she had no intention of returning.
After visiting Jiuhua Mountain to pay respects to her father, mother, and elder brother, she had diverted her course to Feiyun Temple.
Outsiders speculated that she was doing this to avoid Ye Shixian, but the real reason was more fundantal—now that Ye Heng’s case was settled and matters were temporarily concluded, it was ti to relocate her family’s graves.
She had chosen the date long ago. Everything was simply proceeding according to her plan.
Master Shiyuan readily agreed.
"The temple’s accommodations are simple. If you require anything, Second Miss Ye, please just inform Chen Xin."
Chen Xin was the Little Monk who had co to fetch them.
Ye Chutang’s eyes curved into a smile. "This is a rare, peaceful place. Xiao Wu and I both like it very much. Besides, compared to how we lived a few years ago, this is already a great luxury. How could we possibly complain?"
Master Shiyuan recalled the first ti he had t Ye Chutang, and he was filled with deep emotion.
Who could have imagined that the sallow, emaciated young girl from back then, who looked as though a gust of wind could knock her over, would beco the figure she was today—one who could so easily stir up a storm in the Capital City?
Only her eyes remained the sa—jet-black, clear, and filled with a calm composure.
Master Shiyuan paused for a mont before asking, "It seems you have already chosen a day, Second Miss Ye?"
Ye Chutang nodded.
"The ninth day of the ninth month."
The Double Ninth Festival. An auspicious day.
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