Chapter 26: Chongfu Temple

After enjoying the fruit salad and sheep’s milk, the day felt especially delightful. The fruit ice that came from the freshly made ice was a hit, and Chang Sile, in particular, was amazed by Cang Ji’s use of quicklime to make ice.

As for the ice-making process, Xia Qingfeng had no intention of keeping it a secret. She felt that the common folk had suffered enough, and if she could bring modern knowledge into this era, the more people who knew, the better. However, she quickly realized that things weren’t as simple as she had thought. When Chang Sile, with a solemn expression, asked her about the ice-making method, she finally understood the true dangers of the ancient adage, *”having precious jade is a crime.”*

“Madam, where did you learn this method of making ice?”

“Hmm, I came across it in a miscellaneous book once, but I’ve long since forgotten where it went,” Xia Qingfeng lied, knowing it was a poor excuse.

Chang Sile didn’t bother calling her out. He had long since noticed that this mother and daughter were not ordinary. A secluded woman and a three-year-old child couldn’t possibly know so many unique things. But since they were under the protection of the brothers, he felt it was his duty to protect them as well.

“What do you plan to do with this ice-making method?”

“There’s not much to plan. If everyone in the summer could have ice, I’d be happy to share the method,” Xia Qingfeng replied.

“No, Madam. Do you know how great the profits from making ice would be? If the method is made public, the common people won’t benefit at all. Instead, the major nobles will scramble to get it, and the commoners will be unable to obtain lime. This could even bring about chaos. You and your daughter could be in great danger.”

“Then what should we do?”

“Why don’t we cooperate? We’ll share the profits from the ice business fifty-fifty. The Grand Marshal and Wu Ting Hou will protect the secret of the method. Once you have the money, you can do a lot with it.”

Xia Qingfeng thought for a moment. At the same time, Xu Xiaoxiao subtly tugged at her mother’s sleeve and nodded toward her, signaling her approval.

Understanding her daughter’s silent suggestion, Xia Qingfeng agreed to the proposal.

Cang Dao, the strongest and most perceptive of the bodyguards, overheard their conversation. He also agreed with Chang Sile’s point of view. While he had noticed the mother and daughter’s exceptional abilities, the potential benefits of ice were far too great for them to protect alone.

When Chang Sile left with his baskets of food and a supply of quicklime, Cang Dao personally saw him off. Before he left, Cang Dao quietly informed him that there was a quicklime mine in the mountains of Yong’an Village.

After sending Chang Sile off, Xia Qingfeng immediately gathered everyone in the house. Tomorrow, they would leave for Chongfu Temple, and from there, they would return to the West Ping Marquis’ estate. Now, it was time to arrange all the necessary matters.

Cui Liu, unfortunately, couldn’t accompany them to the Marquis’ estate, so Xia Qingfeng decided to leave her with Xiao An and Xiao Xi to accompany her. All three of them needed some time to recover, particularly Cui Liu, who would need about a month of recuperation before Xia Qingfeng could perform the surgery on her. The safety of the house would be in the hands of Cang Jian.

As for the mother sheep, it would stay with Cui Liu and the two children. Xia Qingfeng’s space supermarket had a variety of milk powders and fresh milk, so there was no shortage of supplies for Xu Xiaoxiao.

Xia Qingfeng’s return to the Marquis’ estate would be accompanied by her two maids, Xia He and Yin Xing. Cang Qiang and Cang Ji would stay hidden to provide protection. The West Ping Marquis’ estate had no secret guards—only regular bodyguards—and with Cang Qiang and Cang Ji’s skills, those guards would never detect them.

Cang Dao would remain behind to continue his investigations, gathering intelligence and evidence. He would coordinate with Cang Qiang every three days, exchanging the information they had acquired.

The reason for Old Madam and Madam’s trip to Chongfu Temple was entirely for Xia Qingfeng and her daughter. Xia Qingfeng was deeply moved, especially by Old Madam, who, despite her fragile health, was willing to go out of her way to help. Xia Qingfeng knew that this was mainly because she had saved Cang Qiyuan’s life, but it still felt extraordinary that someone of such high status would go to such lengths for a mere commoner like herself.

Touched by the kindness of the elderly woman, Xia Qingfeng decided to prepare some treats for her. Using the cornmeal from her space, she steamed some buns, rice cakes, and small pastries to bring along for Old Madam.

As it was early summer, preserving food was difficult, so Xia Qingfeng had devised a simple method to keep the food fresh. She placed the steamed cornmeal food into a small ceramic jar, which was then placed inside a larger one. Between the two jars, she packed plenty of ice, creating a makeshift “refrigerator” of sorts, similar to the method of ice preservation.

The next morning, Cang Ji drove the carriage, taking Xia Qingfeng and Xu Xiaoxiao to the Wu Ting Marquis’ estate. 

Old Madam was also preparing to leave. When she saw Xia Qingfeng, she immediately pulled her and Xu Xiaoxiao into her own carriage. As a first-rank Marquis’ wife, her carriage was a sight to behold—drawn by four gleaming chestnut horses, the carriage was made of black nanmu wood, with intricate carvings adorning the body. The decorations were exquisite, and the carvings on the edges were even more delicate.

Inside, while the carriage wasn’t overly extravagant, it was spacious and comfortable. The floor was covered with soft velvet carpets, and in one corner was an ice basin. A small table in the middle held various pastries and fruits.

Just as Xia Qingfeng was about to sit down at the table, she suddenly remembered the item she had made. She lifted the carriage curtain and called for Xia He and Yin Xing, instructing them to bring her specially crafted seat cushion from her own carriage. 

When the maid brought the cushion, both Old Madam and Madam were very curious. They held it in their hands, examining it repeatedly. Xia Qingfeng took one and demonstrated how to use it. The two ladies were amused and tried sitting the same way, finding it surprisingly comfortable.

Old Madam immediately declared that she would rely on it for the next few days at Chongfu Temple.

During the journey, the four of them discussed the plans for Xia Qingfeng and her daughter’s return to the West Ping Marquis’ estate. They went over everything to make sure there were no oversights, and once they were satisfied, the conversation turned to casual topics.

Old Madam inquired about Xia Qingfeng and her daughter’s previous experiences at the Marquis’ estate, and Xia Qingfeng could see her anger rising as she listened to the story. The West Ping Marquis’ estate had no concubines, but hearing about such a situation—where a mistress overshadowed the legitimate wife—was infuriating. Madam also held Xu Xiaoxiao close to her chest, comforting her: “Such a family deserves to be separated. You two should leave that wolf’s den and come live happily with us.”

Xia Qingfeng and Xu Xiaoxiao had never held any deep emotions for Xu Jingchen—there was no love, nor was there hate. Their return to the estate now was solely to seek justice for the original owner’s grievances.

After about two hours on the road, the carriage arrived at the foot of Biyun Mountain. Chongfu Temple, the largest temple in the capital’s outskirts, was located halfway up Lingxia Mountain. Because many distinguished visitors came to the temple, a special path had been built for carriages to travel up to it. The group rode in the carriage all the way to the temple.

The temple stood tall amidst the ancient pine trees, its stone walls weathered with age. Above the gate, a wooden plaque with the words “Chongfu Temple” glistened in gold.

As they entered the temple, they saw a series of ancient buildings scattered across the landscape, each positioned thoughtfully against the backdrop of blue tiles and dark bricks. The main hall towered high above, surrounded by a circle of ornate pillars, each one intricately carved with various mythological and Buddhist stories.

Through the ancient trees, sunlight streamed down, casting dappled patterns across the temple grounds. The air was thick with incense, and the sound of Buddhist chants drifted in the breeze. Xia Qingfeng couldn’t help but feel her mind settle into peace and tranquility as she took in the sights and sounds around her. The atmosphere of the temple was soothing, almost as if the noise and chaos of the world outside couldn’t touch this place.