Before noon, a group of people arrived at the entrance of Puguo Temple.

Puguo Temple was the largest temple in Yufeng.

It was popular among worshippers, always bustling with visitors.

At this time, the temple was especially crowded, so Madam Chen decided to wait until there were fewer people before entering.

A young novice monk named Puxuan led them to the temple’s backyard, a place reserved for visitors to rest.

“You may rest here, benefactors,” Puxuan said before taking his leave.

As he stepped out, he glanced back at the room.

A gentle breeze passed through the temple courtyard, where the atmosphere was serene and elegant.

Two figures sat under the veranda, engaged in a game of Go.

“Master Zhikong, your skill in Go is remarkable. I have lost,” the young man admitted.

Zhikong placed down a piece and said, “Your heart is clouded with worldly concerns, making your mind unsettled. Naturally, you cannot focus on the game.”

The young man stood up, gazing into the distance at the mountain peaks.

“Master, do you think that person really exists?”

Zhikong chuckled and stroked his beard.

“Fate will bring destined ones together.”

Hearing the same answer as before, the young man’s mouth twitched.

“Master, could you say something different next time? I’ve heard this too many times.”

“Oh? Then how about—’The secrets of fate cannot be revealed’?”

The young man: “…”

..

By sunset, the number of visitors in the temple had decreased significantly.

Only then did Madam Chen take Jiang Yuanxi inside.

Jiang Yuanxi clung to a small milk bottle, nestled in Madam Chen’s arms.

She did not believe in gods or Buddhas.

Many people sought divine blessings, but she preferred to rely on herself.

While Madam Chen and Chun Zhi were praying, Jiang Yuanxi climbed out of her mother’s embrace.

She lifted the cloth covering the offering table and crawled underneath it.

Then, she rummaged through her pouch and pulled out her little snacks.

Just as she was enjoying her treat, she suddenly noticed someone beside her.

It was a little boy, dressed in a young monk’s robe.

He appeared to be about six years old and was also sitting under the offering table.

The difference was that he held a wooden fish percussion instrument, while she held a lotus cake.

Jiang Yuanxi glanced at him briefly before continuing to eat.

Her cheeks puffed as she chewed, her big round eyes making her look adorably innocent.

Jun Molin, the young monk, could no longer focus on tapping his wooden fish.

He whispered, “Little sister, when worshiping, one must be devoted. You can’t eat here.”

Jiang Yuanxi thought for a moment, then pulled out a piece of dried meat from her pouch.

“Big brother, do you want some?”

Jun Molin gave her a strange look. “Monks cannot eat meat.”

After thinking for a moment, he added, “Also, one should not eat meat in front of Buddha.”

“Oh, okay.” Jiang Yuanxi turned her back. “I’ll eat in secret. That way, Buddha won’t see.”

Jun Molin nearly choked.

That was not what he meant.

In the end, he gave up.

There was no reasoning with a one-year-old child.

…

“Where is Yuanxi?” Madam Chen searched around anxiously.

Chun Zhi said, “Miss was just here a moment ago.”

Jiang Yuanxi quickly stuffed the last bit of cake into her mouth and crawled out from under the offering table.

“Mother, I’m here.”

Madam Chen picked her up. “Where did you just go?”

Jiang Yuanxi pointed at the offering table. “Praying.”

Chun Zhi stifled a laugh—Miss still had crumbs at the corner of her mouth.

She was probably just sneaking food.

Madam Chen pretended not to notice and gently wiped the crumbs away.

At that moment, a noblewoman approached them.

“Are you Lady Jiang?”

Madam Chen turned around.

The woman wore an elegant emerald-green dress, with only a simple peachwood hairpin adorning her hair.

She had a refined and graceful demeanor, almost otherworldly.

The maid beside her said, “Our lady is the daughter of the Duke of Han.”

[The Duke of Han?]

Jiang Yuanxi suddenly recalled something.

[Back then, when the Chen family was sentenced to execution by the Emperor, it was the Duke of Han who risked everything to plead for their lives, saving my maternal family.]

“So, you are Lady Han,” Madam Chen said with a slight bow.

Previously, she had some doubts about the woman.

But now, all she felt was gratitude.

She remembered that Han Qianhua had married the Minister of Personnel.

However, instead of introducing herself as “Lady Yan,” she called herself the “daughter of the Duke of Han”—which was rather unusual.

Then again, her husband, Yan Song, was a consort son-in-law, so it made sense.

Han Qianhua’s eyes drifted toward the little child in Madam Chen’s arms.

What an intelligent and lively child—her big eyes were like black grapes, sparkling with curiosity.

Sensing Han Qianhua’s gaze, Jiang Yuanxi gave her a bright, beaming smile.

Han Qianhua, who had no children of her own, felt a fondness for the little girl.

“This is… your daughter?”

Madam Chen smiled. “This is my little girl, Yuanxi.”

Jiang Yuanxi called out sweetly, “Auntie.”

[Oh no, should I tell pretty Auntie that her husband is cheating on her?]

Madam Chen stiffened slightly.

[Auntie Han cannot have children because her husband secretly drugged her. Not only that, but he has an illegitimate child outside and is just waiting for her to suggest adoption. Once she agrees, he plans to bring his illegitimate children into the house.]

[Right now, he’s in the pleasure district, enjoying himself with his mistress.]

Madam Chen suddenly felt sorry for Han Qianhua.

Logically, she should repay Han Qianhua for saving her family.

With that thought, Madam Chen spoke up.

“I have heard that Lady Han and Lord Yan share deep affection. Why is he not accompanying you today?”

Han Qianhua, still focused on Jiang Yuanxi, replied absentmindedly, “I had hoped he would come with me, but he was too busy with official duties, so I came alone.”

[Yeah, because he’s busy being affectionate with his mistress.]

Madam Chen paused before saying, “Not long ago, I happened to see Lord Yan in the pleasure district. But thinking about it now, I must have been mistaken.”

“With such a devoted and loving husband, how could he possibly be there?”

Chun Zhi was puzzled—when had Madam ever gone to the pleasure district?

After speaking, Madam Chen quickly excused herself.

After she left, Han Qianhua fell into deep thought.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Lady Jiang’s words carried an underlying message.

She knew that many officials kept mistresses in the pleasure district—women who were hidden from the public eye.

“Liuzhu,” Han Qianhua called her maid over and whispered a few instructions.

The maid quickly hurried off.

Meanwhile, Madam Chen, hiding behind a tree, watched as Han Qianhua sent someone away. Only then did she relax.

[Mother is amazing! But when did she ever go to the pleasure district?] Jiang Yuanxi wondered.

Madam Chen quickly pulled out a piece of candy and placed it in her daughter’s mouth.

[So sweet! So delicious!]

Jiang Yuanxi smacked her lips.

[Wait, what was I thinking about just now?]

Madam Chen sighed in relief.

Candy was indeed a child’s greatest distraction.