Chapter 49: Departure to White Horse Temple

Qianliu hesitated for a long time before she finally went to look for Steward Cao.

As soon as Steward Cao saw her, his eyes lit up. “Oh, it’s Miss Qianliu. You need something from me? Come in and have a seat.”

He quickly invited her inside, but Qianliu didn’t dare step in. She stood at the doorway and stated her purpose: “I’d like to borrow some silver from you.”

So it was about money. Steward Cao’s eyes gleamed with a lascivious light and he sneered wickedly, “Borrowing silver? Sure, as long as you…”

He suddenly grabbed her hand and began kneading it suggestively, trying to pull her into the room.

“Steward!” Qianliu was startled. She quickly withdrew her hand and stared at him warily.

Seeing her so resistant, Steward Cao didn’t dare push too far. He let go and coughed lightly to feign seriousness. “How much do you want to borrow?”

“One hundred taels,” she replied. Afraid he wouldn’t agree, she pleaded, “I can write a promissory note. I promise I’ll find a way to repay you.”

Steward Cao sneered inwardly but smiled on the surface like a benevolent Buddha. “Of course, of course.”

His eyes roved over her jade-like face and graceful figure, and desire flared up inside him. “How about this, I’m also going to White Horse Temple tomorrow. Come to my room tomorrow night, and I’ll give you the silver.”

Qianliu’s face went pale, and she immediately became more guarded.

Seeing her nervous reaction, Steward Cao chuckled and explained, “You know how tightly my old tiger of a wife watches me. I do have the silver, but I can’t give it to you here. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely lend it to you.”

Hearing this, Qianliu relaxed slightly. “Thank you, Steward.”

He smiled, once again scanning her from head to toe. “Come find me tomorrow night, I’ll have the silver ready.”

Unable to stand his gaze any longer, Qianliu gave a quick curtsey and turned to leave.

Steward Cao stared at her swaying hips and lower back, rubbing his chin as he swallowed his saliva.

From the corner of a side room, Yiyun watched his lecherous eagerness with satisfaction and raised her brows proudly. “Well? Not a bad gift I gave your father, right?”

Cao Ji lifted her chin and smirked wickedly. “Our Yun’er is the cleverest. Once this is done, I’ll tell my father to divorce my wife and marry you instead.”

Yiyun beamed. “You said it!”

“When have I ever lied to you?” He pulled her into his arms and began groping and kissing her.

Yiyun blushed and teased, “What are you doing? It’s broad daylight.”

“We’re already here, why waste the moment?” Cao Ji dragged her toward a haystack behind them.

…

Early the next morning, Ban Xia and Fu Ling got up to help Tang Mi pack.

“Bring two cloaks. It’s cold on the mountain at White Horse Temple.”

“Pack more thick clothes too. It’s almost late autumn.”

“Miss, we’re staying in the northern wing again this time. It’s quieter there.”

As she packed, Fu Ling kept chattering nonstop.

Tang Mi glanced at her. “This time, only Ban Xia will go with me.”

Fu Ling froze, her movements coming to a halt.

“Miss… you’re not taking me?” She turned to Tang Mi, looking as if she couldn’t believe it.

“Qingmi Courtyard can’t be left unattended. You’ll stay behind and look after the place,” Tang Mi said expressionlessly.

Fu Ling grew anxious. “But I’ve always accompanied you to White Horse Temple!”

Tang Mi raised her brows indifferently. “Then it’s time to let Ban Xia go for once.”

Crushed, Fu Ling had no outlet for her frustration and lost all motivation to keep packing.

Seeing this, Tang Mi gave Ban Xia a signal. “Take the packed trunk outside.”

“Yes, Miss,” Ban Xia responded and carried out a box.

Tang Mi then motioned Fu Ling over.

Fu Ling reluctantly approached. “Miss…”

“Do you not want to stay and guard the courtyard?” Tang Mi asked, staring into her eyes.

Fu Ling’s gaze flickered. She pouted. “It’s not that. I just want to stay by your side.”

Tang Mi sighed softly and spoke gently, “I know you’re loyal to me. You’re the one I trust the most. That’s exactly why I need you to stay.”

Fu Ling looked puzzled, not understanding what she meant.

Tang Mi glanced around warily before leaning in to whisper, “Did you know? There’s a spy in Qingmi Courtyard.”

At these words, Fu Ling broke into a cold sweat, staring at her nervously. “A spy? Miss, are you sure?”

Tang Mi gave her a pointed look. “I’m certain. Yesterday, Ban Xia was sorting my jewelry box and found a bracelet missing. We searched everywhere but couldn’t find it. What else could it be but theft?”

Fu Ling let out a quiet breath of relief. She frowned. “Someone dares steal from you? Why don’t we tell the Old Madam and have her find the culprit?”

“No. We can’t alarm the elders,” Tang Mi shook her head firmly. “I’m coming of age next month. If I can’t even handle this, how will I manage anything?”

She took Fu Ling’s hand. “You’ve always been observant, which is why I need you here. I’ll be gone for quite a few days. By the time I return, maybe you’ll have found the culprit.”

Moved by her trust, Fu Ling’s resentment faded. “Since you trust me, Miss, I’ll do my best to find the thief.”

Tang Mi smiled and patted her hand. “Of course I trust you the most. You’ve been with me the longest. If I can’t trust you, who can I trust?”

Fu Ling finally smiled.

Tang Mi’s gaze lingered on her, a flash of cold malice hidden in her eyes.

If she didn’t still have her uses, Fu Ling wouldn’t still be alive.

With Fu Ling appeased, Tang Mi and Ban Xia set off for White Horse Temple.

It was the tenth anniversary of General Tang Yishi’s death, so almost the entire Tang family was going. A large entourage of over ten carriages departed in grand procession.

The Old Master of the Tang family feigned illness and stayed behind. Concubine Fang remained to look after him.

Tang Shuanghu was on duty and planned to join them for the memorial rites. Tang Sanbao couldn’t leave his military post, so a group of women was led by Tang Song to the temple.

As soon as the Tang household stirred, the Prince Yu’s residence was informed.

Ye Junyu quickly departed with Feng Pan and Yun Ling, heading toward White Horse Temple.

At the same time, in Prince Xuan’s residence:

“My lord, Prince Yu has gone to White Horse Temple. I heard the whole Tang family is going, probably to perform early memorial rites for General Tang,” reported Yan Shu, who always kept a close eye on the other residence.

Ye Chenxuan furrowed his brows, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

“Should we join the fun too?” Yan Shu asked eagerly.

Ye Chenxuan glanced at him but said nothing.