Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 228 Jade Mud Temple (Part 2)
Yuni Temple is a women's temple with strict rules, and men are absolutely not allowed to enter.

Therefore, she had already taken a huge risk by doing this.

"This...this isn't a good idea, is it?" Chen Ye feigned hesitation.

"What's wrong with it!" Qingchen was anxious and reached out to grab his sleeve.

"The snow is so heavy outside, you'll freeze."

Her hands were small, and Chen Ye could hardly feel them through the thick cotton coat, but her urgency was very real.

Don't go...

Hearing her inner cry, Chen Ye chuckled inwardly, but on his face he wore a look of flattery and embarrassment.

"But the rules of the temple..."

"Don't worry about the rules!"

Without saying a word, Qingchen pulled him directly into the doorway. "This is a side door, no one usually goes through it. I'll take you to the room next door, there's no one there, and there's a brazier where you can warm yourself."

Her voice was fast and crisp, like a cleanly washed and chopped green radish, neat and efficient.

So Chen Ye was half-heartedly pulled inside by her.

The side door creaked shut again, completely shutting out the wind and snow outside.

The temple was very quiet, with only the rustling of the wind through the bamboo forest.

Qingchen held onto Chen Ye's sleeve, lowered her head, and led the way, her heart pounding.

This was the first time in her life she had ever been so close to a young man.

His sleeves were damp with the chill of the outside air and the scent of snowflakes, but when she held them, they felt scalding hot.

Meanwhile, Chen Ye followed behind her, looking around the Taoist temple.

The architecture inside the temple is simple and elegant, with every brick and tile bearing the marks of time. It is also very clean, showing that it is well maintained.

Soon Qingchen led him to an inconspicuous gatehouse next to the side gate.

"This is it."

She pushed open the door, and a warm breeze mixed with a faint smell of firewood wafted out.

The gatehouse was small and simply furnished, and sure enough, there was a copper brazier burning brightly against the wall.

"You should sit down and warm yourself by the fire."

Qingchen pressed Chen Ye down onto the wooden stool next to the brazier, then deftly picked up a rough pottery teapot from the table next to him, poured a bowl of hot tea and handed it to him.

"Have some hot tea to warm yourself up."

"Thank you."

Chen Ye took the teacup, lowered his head and took a sip. Although it was just the most ordinary coarse tea, and even had a slightly astringent taste, it was more heartwarming than any fine wine on this snowy day.

Qingchen watched him drink the tea, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. Then she sat down on the wooden stool next to him, resting her chin on her hands, her bright eyes fixed on him.

Even the way he drinks water looks so good.

[Hey, the snow on his shoulders hasn't melted yet...]

Thinking this, she naturally stood up, reached out her small hand, and wanted to help Chen Ye brush the snow off his shoulders.

Chen Ye dodged by slightly shifting his body to the side.

"Young lady, you mustn't."

Qingchen's hand froze in mid-air, her face flushed red, and she was somewhat at a loss.

"I...I didn't mean it."

"I know."

Chen Ye's voice was gentle, "It's just that men and women are different, and I'm afraid I might be being presumptuous to the young lady."

The more polite he was, the more Qingchen's affection for him grew.

He is truly a gentleman.

[Unlike what the senior sisters in the temple said, all men in the world are bad.]

Chen Ye overheard her little scheme perfectly and had already made up his mind. So he put down his teacup and asked casually, "What is your name, young lady?"

“I…I am called Qingchen.”

“Qingchen…” Chen Ye read it aloud, then praised, “What a fine name. The person is just like his name, pure and spotless.”

Qingchen lowered her head even further, but couldn't help but smile.

"You...and you? What's your name?"

"My surname is Chen, and my given name is Ye." Chen Ye didn't intend to hide his name, after all, Qingchen had obviously been captured by him, so there was no point in hiding it anymore.

"Chen Ye..."

Qingchen silently recited the name in her heart, thinking it sounded really nice.

The two fell silent for a moment, and only the crackling sound of burning charcoal filled the gatehouse.

The atmosphere is a bit subtle.

Qingchen didn't know what to say, while Chen Ye was waiting for an opportunity.

After a moment, Chen Ye broke the silence.

"Miss Qingchen, the name of your Taoist temple is quite peculiar. Why is it called Jade Mud Temple?"

He began to probe indirectly.

As expected, Qingchen was completely unprepared and became interested when he asked about it.

"I know this!"

She immediately said, as if presenting a treasure, "Because the soil behind our Taoist temple is very special."

"Oh? How special is it?"

"The soil was bluish-green, looking just like the finest jade, and it also had a faint, pleasant fragrance."

Blue soil?
Chen Ye's heart skipped a beat. Sun Demao said that the roots were planted in the mud, so could this mud refer to this kind of green mud?

He suppressed his excitement and remained expressionless.

"Such peculiar soil? What use is it?"

"It's incredibly useful!"

Qingchen's eyes sparkled. "The abbot said that this kind of jade clay is a naturally formed spiritual substance. Using it to fire objects can calm the mind and even nourish the body."

"The tea sets, bowls and plates we use in our temple, as well as the incense burner for worshipping our patriarch, are all made of this kind of jade clay."

"I see." Chen Ye nodded, then fell silent.

"Brother Chen, what are you thinking about?"

Seeing that he hadn't spoken for a long time, Qingchen couldn't help but ask.

"nothing."

Chen Ye came to his senses and smiled at her, "I just think your Taoist temple is a magical place, even the soil is so spiritual."

He then changed the subject and asked, "I suppose the worshippers who come to offer incense here are all wealthy and important figures?"

Qingchen nodded, a look of pride on his face.

"That's for sure. Our Yuni Temple is the Zhou family's ancestral temple. Ordinary people can't even get in to offer incense."

"Zhou family?"

Chen Ye feigned surprise, "Is it the Zhou family of the current Grand Tutor, Lord Zhou Xuanqing?"

"Yes!"

Qingchen nodded vigorously, "The Zhou family is very good to our temple. Every month they send us a large amount of rice, flour, cooking oil, and money."

“Especially Lady Zhou, the wife of Lord Sun Demao, she often comes to our place.”

coming!

Chen Ye's spirits lifted, knowing that the most crucial information was about to arrive, but he maintained his curious expression and followed Qing Chen's words, asking, "Lord Sun Demao? Is that the censor known as 'Iron-Tongued Sun'?"

"Yes, yes, that's him!"

Qingchen nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Chen Ye.

Brother Chen is truly amazing; even high-ranking officials in the imperial court know about him.

Chen Ye continued to casually inquire, "I heard that this Madam Sun is strong-willed and difficult to get along with. I didn't expect that she would believe in these gods and Buddhas."

“No, that’s not true!” Qingchen immediately retorted.

"People outside are talking nonsense. Madam Zhou is a very nice person and has no airs at all."

“Every time they come to the temple, they are very kind to us young nuns. Sometimes they even bring us some trendy pastries and novelties from the capital.”

As she spoke, a look of longing appeared on her face.

"Oh? Does she come often?" Chen Ye grasped the key point.

"Yes."

Qingchen nodded without any suspicion. "I come to the temple to offer incense almost every month, and sometimes I stay for a few days to enjoy tea and discuss philosophy with the abbot."

Come every month? And stay for a few days?
Sun Demao hid the things here, and Zhou Yuru came over frequently; there must be some connection between them.

Perhaps Zhou Yuru was the one responsible for passing messages or transferring stolen goods!
Chen Ye's mind was racing.

"So... has Mrs. Zhou come this month?" he asked in a casual tone.

Qingchen tilted her head and thought for a moment, then shook her head.

"Not yet, but judging by the time it's coming soon."

"They usually come around the 15th of the month, but today is the 12th, so it should be in the next few days."

It's in the next few days!
Chen Ye's heart was burning with excitement; this was simply a godsend.

If we can find evidence while Zhou Yuru is in the temple, then Sun Demao's trail can be completely shut down!
Looking at the innocent young Taoist nun before him, who seemed as pure as a blank sheet of paper, he quickly devised a plan.

"Miss Qingchen." Chen Ye's expression suddenly became somewhat solemn.

"Hmm? Brother Chen, what's wrong?"

Qingchen was a little nervous by his sudden seriousness.

"To be honest, I... I'm not actually an ordinary peddler."

Chen Ye lowered his voice, a bitter and helpless expression on his face.

"Huh?" Qingchen was stunned.

[If he's not a peddler, then who is he?]

Chen Ye sighed and began his long-planned performance.

"I was originally a son of a poor family in the capital. I was forced to become a peddler to make a living because I offended powerful people."

His voice carried a perfect touch of vicissitude and sorrow, which, combined with his weathered face, instantly made him incredibly believable.

Qingchen's heart clenched instantly. [So...so he had such a background.]

So pitiful...

Her heartfelt words were filled with sympathy and pity.

"Then who is the powerful person you offended?" she asked cautiously.

A flash of hatred crossed Chen Ye's eyes as he gritted his teeth and spat out a name.

"Sun Demao!"

"what?!"

Qingchen was so shocked that she stood up abruptly from the wooden stump, her face filled with disbelief.

"How...how could it be him?"

Although she had never met Sun Demao, since he was Madam Zhou's husband, he should be a good person.

"it's him!"

Chen Ye said with grief and indignation, "This man is a hypocrite, but in reality he is corrupt, lawless, and disregards human life. My father was ruined and killed because he caught him in the act!"

"I've come here to gather evidence of his crimes and avenge my father!"

These words were half true and half false, but with the help of her silver tongue, Qingchen believed them instantly.

“Lord Sun… how could he be such a person?” Qingchen murmured.

Chen Ye looked at her, his eyes filled with pain.

"Qingchen, I know you are kind-hearted and don't want to believe these things, but this is the truth."

With the help of her professional talent, Qingchen instantly believed Chen Ye's words.

Chen Ye didn't say anything more, but just watched her quietly, giving her enough time to think.

After a long while, Qingchen finally raised her head. Although there was still confusion in her eyes, there was now a hint of determination.

"Brother Chen, how...how can I help you?"

Become!

Chen Ye was overjoyed, but on the surface he appeared to be extremely grateful.

"Qingchen, are you really willing to help me?"

"I don't know if Lord Sun is as you say."

Qingchen bit her lip. "But I believe you're not a bad person."

As she said this, Qingchen's eyes were filled with a burning light, making Chen Ye feel somewhat ashamed.

For a moment, Chen Ye felt like a beast for deceiving such a pure and kind girl.

However, in order to bring down Sun Demao, Chen Ye put aside this small amount of guilt.

"Qingchen, thank you!" Chen Ye stood up and bowed solemnly to her.

"I don't need you to do anything dangerous. I just need you to keep an eye on Madam Zhou's movements and let me know when she arrives."

"It's that simple?" Qingchen was somewhat surprised.

"Yes, it's that simple. As for the rest, I'll handle it myself."

Then Chen Ye looked at Qing Chen and discussed with her, "To make it easier to stay in touch, starting tomorrow I will come to this side door at this time every day to wait for you."

"No matter if it's windy or snowy, I will come."

"If you have any news, come out and see me; if not, ignore it."

Hearing his words, "No matter if it's windy or snowy, I will come," Qingchen felt a sweet warmth in her heart, and her face flushed again.

Is he...is he making a promise to me?

Then he nodded vigorously, his voice barely audible.

"Okay, I remember."

With the matter settled, Chen Ye could not linger any longer.

"Qingchen, I have to go now. Take care."

"Brother Chen, you too."

Qingchen reluctantly saw him off to the side door.

Chen Ye picked up his load, turned back and smiled at her, then turned and disappeared into the snowstorm.

Qingchen stood inside the door watching his departing figure, remaining motionless for a long time until the figure was completely out of sight before closing the door, her heart still pounding wildly.

Then she returned to the gatehouse, looked at the wooden stool where Chen Ye had just sat and the teacup he had drunk from, and a silly smile appeared on her face without her noticing.

For the next two days, the snowstorm continued in Yunzhou City.

Chen Ye kept his promise and would appear at the side gate of Yuni Temple every afternoon without fail.

Qingchen didn't come on the first day.

Qingchen still didn't come the next day.

Chen Ye wasn't in a hurry, because he had plenty of patience.

Finally, on the afternoon of the third day, the familiar side door creaked open.

Qingchen's anxious and excited little face peeked out from behind the door and then entered the bamboo forest.

Her eyes lit up instantly when she saw that tall figure in the distance.

"Brother Chen!" She lifted her skirt and ran quickly to Chen Ye. Her face was flushed from running so fast, and fine beads of sweat appeared on the tip of her nose.

"You... why are you dressed so lightly?" She felt sorry for Chen Ye when she saw his thin clothes.

"It's okay, I'm not cold." Chen Ye smiled and asked, "Is there any news?"

"Ok!"

Qingchen nodded vigorously, leaned close to Chen Ye's ear, lowered her voice, and said mysteriously.

“Starting this morning, the Taoist nun in charge, Wang, gave the order for us to clean the entire temple, inside and out.”

"They also re-fragrant the courtyard where Madam Zhou usually lives and changed the bedding."

She took a breath as she spoke, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I bet Mrs. Zhou is arriving soon!"

Zhou Yuru is coming soon!
This news greatly boosted Chen Ye's spirits.

He had waited three days for this moment.

"Are you sure?"

"It's almost the same!"

Qingchen nodded firmly, "There's always a big commotion like this before Madam Zhou arrives every time, there's no mistake."

"okay, I get it."

Chen Ye took a deep breath and began to quickly plan his next move.

He had to find a way to sneak into the Taoist temple and get close to Zhou Yuru.

Only in this way can he find the evidence of Sun Demao's crimes that he has hidden.

Although the Yuni Temple was not heavily guarded, it was still a women's temple, and it was not easy for a grown man like him to sneak in.

unless…….

A bold idea popped into Chen Ye's mind.

He looked at the young Taoist nun beside him, who was completely unsuspecting, and a plan gradually took shape.

"Qingchen," Chen Ye suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of pleading.

"Hmm? Brother Chen, what's wrong?"

"I want...I want to see this Mrs. Zhou in person."

"Ah? You want to see her?"

Qingchen was stunned. "This...this won't do! Men from outside the temple aren't allowed in. If they're discovered, they'll be beaten to death!"

Her first reaction was to refuse, and her little face turned pale with fright.

“I know this is dangerous.”

Chen Ye's tone turned somber, "But this is my only chance."

“Sun Demao is extremely cunning, and the evidence of his crimes must be hidden very well. This Zhou Yuru is very likely the only person who knows the inside story.”

"Only by getting close to her can I find evidence to bring down Sun Demao and avenge my father!"

His voice was incredibly moving; every word struck a chord in Qingchen's heart.

Qingchen's heart began to waver again.

Poor Brother Chen...

If I don't help him, he won't be able to get revenge.

But... but what if we get found out?

Her inner thoughts were filled with turmoil and fear.

Chen Ye sensed her inner turmoil and immediately activated the Heartstring Master talent.

This time, he didn't implant any complicated thoughts; he simply conveyed his determination for revenge and his trust in her.

He made her feel that she was the only hope, the only light in the darkness.

Qingchen's body trembled slightly, and his eyes momentarily glazed over.

When she looked at Chen Ye again, the hesitation and fear in her eyes had disappeared, replaced by an almost blind trust and determination.

"Brother Chen, I'll help you!" she said forcefully, as if she had made up her mind.

Chen Ye was overjoyed, knowing that he had succeeded.

This "ladies' man" profession is incredibly effective at dealing with young girls experiencing their first stirrings of love.

"Qingchen, are you really sure? This is a huge risk." He asked again, feigning concern.

"I figured it out!"

Qingchen's tone was unwavering, "Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

"I need a set of clothes from your Taoist temple."

Chen Ye revealed his plan: "Then, you find a chance to sneak me in."

"Wearing Taoist nun's clothes?"

Qingchen's eyes widened as she looked Chen Ye up and down.

Chen Ye was tall and imposing, even taller than the tallest nun in the temple by half a head, so... would this work?
(End of this chapter)