Chapter 114: The Taoist Temple

"What a sharp-tongued girl!" the clan patriarch thought to himself, grinding his back teeth.

Wen Qiran noticed the patriarch’s visible discomfort and felt a secret sense of amusement. He hadn't expected Seven to be able to leave a man as eloquent as the patriarch speechless. However, he had to maintain appearances: "Seven, show some respect. The patriarch is looking out for the best interests of the Wen family."

Turning to the patriarch, Wen Qiran added, "These rumors are truly a silent assassin. Seven was merely assisting with the investigation at the Grand Court of Justice—where did this talk of an autopsy come from? It is pure slander!"

"There is no smoke without fire. The rumors are circulating through every street and alley. Even if Seven didn't perform an autopsy, I fear no one will believe it. Breaking off the engagement with the Wang family was one thing, but this... with the whole city in an uproar, who would dare to marry her now?" the patriarch sighed heavily.

Wen Jing glanced at Madam Wen from the corner of her eye. Seeing no change in the woman's expression, she wondered who could have leaked the news. Could it be the Wang family?

"No wonder several ladies asked me about it when I went out today... I spat at them and told them not to spread rumors. How could our Seven perform an autopsy? Not to mention an autopsy, she has been afraid to even watch a chicken being slaughtered since she was a child. It is truly absurd. Is it possible for this Seven to have been replaced by someone else?" Madam Wen laughed dismissively, as if the matter were so ridiculous it wasn't worth mentioning.

Wen Jing felt a slight jolt. Though the final remark sounded casual, it struck her as deliberate. She quickly glanced at Wen Qiran; sure enough, a flicker of confusion passed through her father’s eyes. This woman was truly not simple.

"It is not just Seven. There are many other young ladies in our household. If this continues, whenever others mention our family..." the patriarch said, his face etched with worry.

Wen Jing felt a chill. What exactly was the patriarch trying to say?

"Then, in your opinion, what should be done?" Madam Wen asked anxiously. Lady Lu and Concubine Cui also stared intensely. Their primary concern was their own daughters' marriage prospects; if the Wen family’s reputation were ruined because of Wen Jing, they would surely poison her.

The patriarch frowned and sighed. "It is hard to silence the masses. We cannot hide this anymore; we have no choice but to..."

"But to what?" Wen Qiran prompted.

The patriarch glanced at Wen Jing, then at the others, appearing hesitant.

"Patriarch, please speak freely," Wen Qiran said.

"I have heard that the Huaqing Temple is recruiting disciples. It would be best to let Seven go there to cultivate for a period of time in the name of offering prayers. It would quell the rumors and earn her a reputation for virtue. Once this storm blows over, we can find a reason for her to return. What do you think of this plan?" The patriarch looked at Wen Qiran.

Wen Qiran hesitated. He certainly did not want to send Seven to the Huaqing Temple, but given the circumstances, it seemed like a viable solution for her sake.

"Seven, are you willing? It is just to stay at the temple for a while; you will be back soon," Madam Wen said, looking at Wen Jing with feigned affection.

Lady Lu glanced at Madam Wen and felt a shiver. She protected her own daughter, the Eighth, but Wen Jing had no one. Looking at Wen Qiran, who seemed completely unsuspicious of the patriarch’s true intentions, she knew the temple was halfway up a mountain, cold and damp. Given Seven’s frail constitution, it was uncertain if she would ever return. What a poisonous woman, she thought, though she had no reason to oppose Madam Wen since this benefited her.

"Seven is willing," Wen Jing said, lowering her head.

The patriarch and Madam Wen exhaled in relief, though they were surprised she had agreed so readily.

Qingliu felt a surge of anxiety, but then thought, if she could see the danger, surely the clever Seven could as well. Her mistress must have a plan.

"Seven, do you really want to go to Huaqing Temple to cultivate?" Wen Qiran asked, his eyes filled with reluctance.

"Yes, Father. Your daughter wishes to find a quiet place to reflect on her faults. The Huaqing Temple is perfect," Wen Jing said with a faint smile. Since she couldn't refuse, going was fine. As for when she would return, she wasn't worried. She feared that even if she didn't want to come back, others would eventually be "begging" for her return. If she wanted to come back, she would find a way.

"That is excellent. Pack your things and head out as soon as possible," the patriarch smiled.

Wen Qiran wanted to say more, but seeing Wen Jing bow and mention packing her luggage, he realized her mind was made up and swallowed his words.

Back at the Bamboo Garden.

Qingliu watched Wen Jing’s unhurried demeanor and asked anxiously, "Mistress, do you really intend to go along with the wishes of Madam Liu and the patriarch?"

As she packed, Wen Jing replied, "Why not? It’s a good chance for some peace and quiet."

"But... what if... you can't come back?" Qingliu hesitated.

Wen Jing turned and smiled. "I was able to return from the Huaijiang County, thousands of miles away. Why should a temple less than a hundred miles away be any different?"

Seeing Wen Jing’s confidence, Qingliu felt she had been overthinking. Her mistress was no longer the timid, submissive girl she once was. She felt a warmth in her heart, knowing she could rely on this woman.

Watching Qingliu efficiently pack bedding, clothes, and shoes, Wen Jing widened her eyes. "Are you planning for us to stay at the Huaqing Temple for several years?"

Qingliu clapped her hands. "Of course not! But winter is coming, and the mountain is cold and damp. If we don't bring enough, who will we ask for help when it gets cold? This is called taking precautions."

Wen Jing chuckled and didn't stop her, simply gathering the brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone from the table.

...

The next day.

"Why is it so lively today?" Wen Jing asked Qingliu.

"I heard the Weiyuan Marquis's estate sent a matchmaker," Qingliu replied.

Wen Jing was surprised. "A matchmaker for whom?"

"I heard it's for the Ninth."

No wonder there was no one around; that was the reason. The Ninth’s reputation for virtue was well-known, so it was only natural for someone to come seeking a marriage.

"Mistress, perhaps we should wait a little longer," Qingliu suggested.

"No, we must arrive before dark," Wen Jing said, ordering the servants to load the belongings onto the donkey cart.

Once everything was loaded, Wen Jing realized there was far too much—all thanks to Qingliu.

"Miss Seven, wait a moment."

Mother He’s voice came from behind. Wen Jing turned to see Mother Jiang leading several matrons toward them.

Wen Jing raised an eyebrow. They were leaving, yet they still wouldn't let her have peace?

"Mother He, you’ve come in such a hurry. What is the matter?"

Mother He and the matrons felt a inexplicable tremor as they met Wen Jing’s calm gaze. They had experienced this look once before during the previous search, but this time was different. She was being banished to a temple—let’s see what tricks she could pull now.

Mother He steeled herself. "According to the household rules, all items leaving the estate must be searched. Miss Seven, please forgive us."