Jiang Yuanxi Felt Like She Was Gaining More Awareness Again.

Things were becoming increasingly complicated.

Ever since Madam Chen heard from her daughter that the Chen family had been wronged, she had been longing for the day when their family’s innocence would be cleared.

She hoped her parents could return to Shengjing and restore the former glory of the Chen family.

Madam Chen spent the entire night thinking but still couldn’t figure out why Duke Han would help the Chen family.

She got up with dark circles under her eyes, resting her forehead on one hand as Chun Zhi combed her hair.

Chun Zhi asked with concern, “Madam, did you not sleep well last night?”

Madam Chen nodded, feeling unusually uneasy today.

Chun Tao helped Jiang Yuanxi get dressed, and she turned over in bed to get up.

Chun Zhi continued, “I heard that the abbot of Puguo Temple is the most skilled at reading fortunes. Since Madam is troubled, why not go and seek his guidance?”

Madam Chen had heard of him before.

Everyone in Yufeng knew that Abbot Zhikong of Puguo Temple was renowned for his ability to foresee the future.

Even the Emperor himself showed him respect.

Thus, ordinary people were not easily granted an audience with him.

Today, Qian Rou had also come to the temple to pray.

Since the last incident, her nephew had been imprisoned by the Emperor. Because he was only an accomplice, his sentence was reduced to six years.

With the Qian family’s influence, he could be released in just three years.

She had come to pray for peace and also hoped to meet Master Zhikong.

As she walked toward the temple hall, she suddenly saw a familiar figure.

“Chen Xinwan,” Qian Rou’s eyes flashed with disdain. “Why is she here?”

After a brief hesitation, she walked forward.

“It has been a long time, yet Xinwan remains as radiant as ever. I’ve truly missed you.”

Qian Rou had once been Chen Xinwan’s close friend.

But after the Chen family’s downfall, Qian Rou had not only severed ties with Madam Chen but also allowed the Qian family to humiliate her and her brothers in every possible way.

Seeing her now, even the two maids beside Madam Chen felt indignant.

Madam Chen’s expression turned cold. “Qian Rou, after the Chen family fell, Lady Jiang was exceptionally ‘kind’ to us. Of course, Xinwan remembers.”

Feigning innocence, Qian Rou’s eyes brimmed with tears as she reached for Madam Chen’s hand.

“Xinwan, it’s not like that. I never wanted to see your family fall into such misfortune, but…”

Madam Chen gently pushed her hand away.

【Qian Rou? So she’s the wicked woman!】

Jiang Yuanxi became anxious.

【Mother, this bad woman likes Father.】

Madam Chen inhaled sharply and looked at Qian Rou with newfound suspicion.

【After Mother passed away, Qian Rou secretly tried multiple times to win Father’s favor. She even drugged him!】

【Luckily, Father had a strong will and never fell for her tricks.】

Madam Chen hadn’t expected Qian Rou to harbor such intentions.

She took a handkerchief from Chun Zhi and wiped her hands clean.

Not wanting to continue the charade, she said coldly, “You’ve kept up this act for so long—aren’t you tired?”

Qian Rou was briefly stunned, then let out a light laugh.

Watching Madam Chen walk away, her smile gradually faded, and her gaze turned venomous.

Back in the day, all of Shengjing had known how close they were.

Yet, the people of Shengjing only spoke of the talented daughter of the Chen family, never the Qian family’s legitimate daughter.

Even Jiang Fengyuan—she had set her sights on him first.

But because of Chen Xinwan’s noble status, she had stolen the man Qian Rou had longed to marry.

Now, however, Qian Rou was the one in a position of power, while Chen Xinwan was merely a daughter of a fallen household.

Thinking of this, Qian Rou felt a sense of satisfaction.

She stepped forward again, no longer bothering to pretend.

Looking down at Madam Chen, she sneered, “Back then, everyone praised the eldest daughter of the Chen family for her beauty and talent. But years later, with the Chen family in ruins, it is I, a daughter of the Qian family, who stands in the light.”

Madam Chen knelt before the Buddha, silently praying, refusing to engage.

【This woman is so annoying.】

Jiang Yuanxi glared at Qian Rou.

【If she keeps bothering Mother, she’ll have to face me.】

Qian Rou smirked. “Chen Xinwan, you’re now the daughter of a convicted criminal. Do you really think someone like you can meet Master Zhikong?”

The mockery in her voice was evident.

Madam Chen, of course, caught it.

She finished her prayers and turned around, her gaze sharp. “Qian Rou, do all women who covet other people’s husbands act as arrogantly as you?”

【Oh, so Mother already knew Qian Rou’s true intentions. Looks like I don’t need to use my little snake after all.】

Jiang Yuanxi tucked the black snake back into her sleeve.

Qian Rou’s pupils shrank in panic at being exposed, but she quickly regained her composure.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Madam Chen’s eyes were piercing. “Believe it or not, but I got the man you wanted and couldn’t have.”

Raising an eyebrow, she added, “I advise you to drop your petty schemes, or else I’ll send the love letters you once wrote to the general straight to the Jiang family.”

“Let them see how the esteemed Lady Qian shamelessly pursued another woman’s husband.”

Chun Zhi’s eyes widened in shock.

Had their madam been swapped for another person? Their lady was always gentle and well-mannered—when had she ever spoken so boldly?

She must have been pushed too far!

Chun Tao, on the other hand, looked at Madam Chen with admiration.

Madam was truly formidable!

Even Jiang Yuanxi was stunned.

She had always known her mother to be kind and gentle, never imagining that she had such a powerful side.

【Cool Mother! I love it!】

Madam Chen had discovered those love letters while rearranging furniture.

The signature at the bottom simply read “Rou.” At the time, she hadn’t thought much of it.

But after her daughter’s reminder and Qian Rou’s current expression, Madam Chen was certain.

Qian Rou’s face twisted from panic to disbelief, then anger and fear.

She hadn’t expected Madam Chen to outmaneuver her so easily.

Grinding her teeth, she swallowed her rage.

However, if Chen Xinwan truly intended to see Master Zhikong today, she would not allow it!

At that moment, a young monk approached.

“Madam Chen, Master Zhikong requests your presence.”

Qian Rou’s eyes widened in shock. “Little monk, did you say Master Zhikong wants to see her?!”

How could the daughter of a criminal be worthy?!

The monk nodded. “Yes, the Master personally requested to meet Madam Chen.”

Chun Tao picked up Jiang Yuanxi.

The two maids stood proudly, looking at Qian Rou with smug expressions.

See? Even your high status can’t change the fact that Master Zhikong doesn’t want to see you.

Madam Chen walked ahead, never looking back. There was no point in wasting words on someone like Qian Rou.

Qian Rou’s eyes reddened as she watched Madam Chen leave, consumed by jealousy.

Now that her secret was exposed, she had no choice but to take drastic measures.

…

The young monk led Madam Chen to a secluded courtyard.

Inside, flowers and plants grew freely, and a simple wooden canopy shaded a white jade chessboard.

The abbot sat still, eyes closed, as if detached from the mortal world.

“What would Madam like to ask?” he finally spoke.

Holding her daughter close, Madam Chen hesitated before saying, “Please tell me—will my daughter have a peaceful future?”

Master Zhikong opened his eyes, his gaze carrying a weight beyond words.

Seeing the child in her arms, his eyes flickered with emotion before returning to calm.

He reached out and gently tapped Jiang Yuanxi’s forehead.

She instantly fell unconscious.

Madam Chen gasped at his ability, but worry filled her heart.

“Do not be alarmed, Madam,” the abbot said. “She is merely asleep.”