Pawning lifespan, starting from a low-level martial arts world to transform into a dragon.

Chapter 97 Grandpa, listen

"Thank you for your consideration, Grandpa."

When Zhou Yun'e saw that Feng Bainian had agreed, she was delighted, but soon a look of worry appeared on her face. She said softly, "Father, I have another request."

Feng Bainian was closing the account book when he took out a memorial he had just finished writing from beside him. He looked at the memorial and said, "Speak."

"I just learned that the First Madam also went to Xiangguo Temple to offer incense today." Zhou Yun'e continued cautiously, "My father-in-law is also aware of my relationship with the First Madam over the years."

If she finds out that I also went to Xiangguo Temple, she'll probably overthink it, thinking I deliberately followed her, and that will inevitably cause trouble again.

She glanced up at Feng Bainian's expression, and seeing that he looked normal and showed no unusual reaction, she continued, "So I thought—we might as well go out quietly, without disturbing anyone, and just pretend it's a normal outing to relax. When we get to Xiangguo Temple, we can each offer our own incense and see our own people, thus avoiding any awkward encounters."

Upon hearing this, Feng Bainian pondered for a moment.

He was well aware of the power struggles between the various branches of the family, especially since the eldest son had caused such a mess, which had already created a rift between the two branches.

While Zhou Yun'e's words were intended to avoid suspicion, they were not entirely without merit.

Besides, he wasn't a flamboyant person to begin with, so without much consideration, he nodded and agreed, saying, "Alright. Then we won't go through the main gate, we'll go out through the west corner gate. I'll have the steward prepare two sedan chairs, so we won't make a fuss."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yun'e felt reassured, but her face only showed gratitude. She curtsied again and said, "Thank you for your kindness, sir."

Feng Bainian waved his hand and instructed the steward beside him to prepare a sedan chair.

Zhou Yun'e left the study, a hint of brilliance emanating from her eyes.

Back at her residence, she summoned one of her personal maids and instructed her, "You stay here and keep watch. If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I'm unwell and can't see anyone right now. I've already sent someone to take the young master to the private school, so there's no need to go fetch him today. We'll talk about it when I get back."

"This servant understands."

After about half a cup of tea's time, the steward of the mansion had already prepared two inconspicuous blue cloth sedan chairs.

After Zhou Yun'e and her party came out of the west gate of the Feng residence, the steward led the sedan chair bearers and quietly left the city along a secluded alley.

Such sedan chairs were a common sight in the capital.

The sedan chair was tightly sealed, and the person inside was completely hidden, so it did not attract anyone's attention.

When they reached a deserted outskirts, Zhou Yun'e lifted the sedan curtain, looked at her uncle Zhou who was accompanying her, and asked in a low voice, "Uncle Zhou, have everything been arranged over there?"

Zhou Zong was a servant born into the Zhou family. He watched Zhou Yun'e grow up and later followed her to the Feng family. They were like father and daughter.

He knew the importance and urgency of the matter, and immediately replied solemnly, "Don't worry, Miss, everything has been arranged."

,"good."

Zhou Yun'e gently lowered the sedan curtain, sat back in the sedan, and remained expressionless.

Her hands were folded on her lap, her palms sweaty and sticky.

For her, this matter had to be accomplished!

If it fails, it will inevitably alert Guan Rongci.

There won't be another chance like this.

Then she would truly have no chance of turning her life around in the mansion.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yun'e couldn't help but picture Chen Ye's young and calm face, and the panic in her heart suddenly subsided.

After walking for a while, the two sedan chairs landed steadily in front of the gate of Xiangguo Temple.

Zhou Yun'e lifted the curtain and went out, looking up.

Before me stood Xiangguo Temple, its majestic gates, black-tiled roofs, and flying eaves nestled among verdant pines and cypresses.

The entrance was bustling with worshippers, a testament to the temple's flourishing religious activity.

Zhou Yun'e straightened her clothes slightly, turned around and walked to Feng Bainian's side, saying, "Grandpa, we've arrived."

Feng Bai nodded slightly, said nothing more, and took the lead in walking towards the temple gate.

Zhou Yun'e lagged slightly behind him, following him step by step up the stairs.

The remaining three or five servants followed silently.

The guest monk, who had already been secretly arranged, had received the message from his disciples and quickly went out to greet them at the mountain gate.

The monk was in his early forties, with a blessed face and a compassionate expression. At first glance, he gave the impression of being well-versed in Buddhist teachings.

He was dressed in a three-piece robe and held a string of Bodhi prayer beads in his hand.

As Feng Bainian and his companions approached, he clasped his hands together, bowed, and said, "This humble monk is Jinghui. I was unaware of your presence today, benefactor Feng. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

Feng Bainian returned the greeting with his hands clasped together: "Master Jinghui, you are too kind. I have brought my wife to offer incense today, and I am grateful for your arrangements."

"Please follow this humble monk, benefactors." Jinghui stepped aside and led the two into the temple.

After passing through the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Jinghui did not lead the two to the east guest hall. She said with a slight apology, "You have come in a hurry. There are many worshippers in the temple today, and the east guest hall is already full."

If you don't mind, there is a secluded temple inn on the back mountain. Although it is simple, it is quiet and elegant. You may rest there for a while, and I will perform the ritual and pray for blessings after I have made the necessary arrangements. What do you all think?

Before Feng Bainian could speak, Zhou Yun'e preemptively replied in a gentle voice, "It's good to have some peace and quiet. Thank you for your arrangements, Master."

"Please follow me, esteemed benefactors."

Jinghui clasped his hands in agreement, turned around and led the group through a moon gate, along a blue stone path to the back mountain.

After walking for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, several small courtyards came into view, connected to each other, hidden outside the bamboo forest.

Jinghui chose a room for the group and led Zhou Yun'e and the others inside.

The room was simply furnished, with a white porcelain Guanyin statue on the table.

A faint sandalwood scent filled the air.

As soon as the group sat down, a novice monk served them two cups of tea.

"Please have some tea and rest your feet. This humble monk will go and prepare it."

"Thank you for your help, Master."

"Amitabha."

Jinghui bowed and withdrew.

With a devout expression, Zhou Yun'e stood up and said, "I've come to see the master off."

She hurried to catch up with Jinghui and walked beside her, whispering, "Has my mistress arrived yet?"

"I just finished paying my respects to the Buddha in the main hall and am on my way here."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yun'e felt a weight lift from her heart. She discreetly took out a hundred-tael silver note from her bosom and gently handed it over.

"This is a small donation I'm making to the temple for incense offerings. I'd appreciate it if the monks could prepare it properly for us."

Master Jinghui narrowed his eyes slightly, a compassionate expression on his face, and said gently, "With such wisdom, you will surely be blessed in the future."

Thank you for your trouble.

After watching Master Jinghui leave, she turned around and quickly returned to the hall, where she sat and waited with the others.

Zhou Yun'e seemed somewhat absent-minded.

She had practiced martial arts since childhood and possessed some skill; she could faintly hear coughing coming from the neighboring courtyard while inside the house.

Although not very clear, it is still faintly discernible.

After a short while, the door to the next room opened, and someone went in.

Zhou Yun'e immediately stopped chatting with the others, held her breath, and listened intently.

When Zhou Yun'e heard that familiar voice, her heart skipped a beat.

Who else could it be but Guan Rongci?

Feng Bainian noticed Zhou Yun'e's unusual behavior and couldn't help but ask, "Bride, what's wrong?"

She composed herself and said casually, "Grandpa, listen—it sounds like the First Madam's voice from next door."

"Um?"

Feng Bainian was surprised and curious, so he listened attentively.

The people inside the room were all skilled in cultivation, so they could hear the gist of what was happening from this distance.

However, everyone noticed that the more they listened, the worse Feng Bainian's expression became.

Upon hearing a certain remark, his face turned ashen, and he stormed out of the room.

No one can stop it!