Chapter 59: Wu Long Temple
Earlier than Jennie had expected, on the second day Mo Qing came to the Shen residence to be a guard. Jennie had Shuang Jiang bribe the housekeeper beforehand and they only knew he was a far away cousin of Shuang Jiang. Because the guards were divided by a number of ranks, Mo Qing could only become a guard at the outermost side thus there were not much conditions for him to stay.
Time passed very quickly and soon it was three days later.
In the morning of the third day, Ren Wan Yun arranged everything appropriately and let the maid by her side, Xiang Lan, to go to Jennie to settle some arrangements. Before leaving, everyone went to Rong Jing Tang.
Old Shen Furen said some words solemnly, the summary of it was to ensure everyone would behave properly. On normal days one would not go to Wo Long Temple to burn incense because Wo Long Temple was located in a remote area. Even though it was a famous place, the incense was not as thick as of those who were located nearer to the city. But no one knew for what reason this time it had to be so far away.
Shen Qing appeared to be filled with joy as she spoke about how she would definitely pray for Old Shen Furen and Shen Yuan Bo to Buddha. Old Shen Furen heard that it was for her and her attitude towards Shen Qing softened up much more.
In this journey, there was also some guards that were brought along to protect the safety of the Shen residence's Young Ladies. Jennie stood in front of the horse carriage but remained motionless. Ren Wan Yun saw it and asked with a frown, "Why is Fifth Lady not moving?"
"Just felt that the list of guards is short. To prevent any accident, Second Shen may wish to bring a few more guards along." Jennie said.
Ren Wan Yun frowned. She did not expected that Jennie would raise this issue at this time. But everything was already arranged so Ren Wan Yun smiled, "Fifth Lady, the people we are bringing are truly a lot. One cannot just bring along all the guards in Shen residence. When the number of people is too large, it would become inconvenient to just remain as it is."
But Jennie was insistent and kept shaking her head.
When Shen Yue and Shen Qing saw it, Shen Yue did not say anything but Shen Qing was unpleased and followed up with words, "Our Shen residence is not the Imperial family, just how big an entourage does Fifth Younger Sister want? When Eldest Bo goes out, he is not as picky as this."
Once again, she brought up Shen Xin name to talk. When she finished talking, Jennie took a glance at her. That one glance was flutteringly light but it made Shen Qing suddenly felt cold throughout her entire body.
"Just add two more." Jennie lifted her hands and pointed at the two guards by the door, "Just them would be fine."
Seeing that Jennie did not bring many and only wanted to increase it by two headcount, Ren Wan Yun was relieved as she did not want to delay too much time on this matter. Two more people would not affect the overall situation. However, Ren Wan Yun put on a face full of difficulty and said, "Fifth Lady, you are really... Never mind, when have Second Shen not consent to your words. Up to you then." She instructed Xiang Lan, who was beside her, "Go and call those two servants over there to follow us out of the city."
"Thanking Second Shen." Jennie's lips hooked up to form a smile.
Seeing that Ren Wan Yun at the end still consented to Jennie's idea, Shen Yue only looked at Jennie strangely but Shen Qing fiercely stomped her feet and glared at Jennie before turning away to leave.
In the horse carriage, Shen Qing was deliberately not speaking with Jennie and even though Shen Yue spoke to Jennie, her words to some degree were sounding her out. Jennie was too lazy to deal with her thus she barely said anything. However, Ren Wan Yun who was in high spirits all the way and when she talked to Jennie, it looked very intimate. If it was the usual, most likely Jennie would also admire this kind Second Shen but now seeing this woman, every actions and gestures were ugly and pretentious performances. After seeing such stuff in the Inner Palace, it was enough for her.
Setting off in the morning till the evening, then they finally arrived at the destination, Yang Jing Feng (peak).
Wo Long Temple was located at the halfway mark of Yang Jing Feng. The mountain was high and the valley was deep, if there was a spring nearby, it would be a pleasant scenery as there were flowers and lush foliage everywhere. But it was currently early autumn and the leaves were withering which added a few touches of desolation.
Because Yang Jing Feng was far from the Ding capital, the road to Wo Long Temple was hard to reach and other than the people who head up to offer incense and the especially devoted Furens who come here, normal people would not stay there. When Jennie and the rest alighted from the horse carriage and reached the entrance of Wo Long Temple, they were able to see a young monk sweeping the floor in front of the huge temple. It was extremely peaceful.
"It sure is peaceful here." Shen Yue lightly chuckled.
Shen Qing shrugged her hold and seemed to want to complaint but she suddenly thought about something and restrained herself.
Ren Wan Yun said, "Do not just see that it is peaceful here. One heard that the Buddha here is very effective. When it is time to offer the incense, one must be sincere."
When that young monk saw the oncoming people, he got up and greeted. Other than the house servants that were moving stuff down from the horse carriage, Ren Wan Yun and the rest followed the young monk who was leading the way to the temple.
As one headed into the temple, one would find that Wo Long Temple was sparsely populated. Moreover the temple was spacious which made one feel it empty. If one were to stay during the night, there would be some who would feel afraid.
After seeing the abbot, the abbot directed the few people to the courtyard. Originally the young ladies would each have their own room and they would be close to one another. But when it reached to Jennie's turn, a middle-aged monk beside the abbot said, "Our apologies, there are no more rooms at the south of the pavilion. If young lady does not mind, how about the north of the pavilion?"
Everyone looked at her and Jennie smiled, "Pardon me, but I mind it."
"Fifth Lady." Ren Wan You softly reprimanded, "This is a Buddhist location, it would not accommodate your waywardness."
"It is just somewhat strange." Jennie was not moved by it, "The incense does not look strong but why are the pavilions all full?"
That middle-aged monk also frowned, most likely because he had never seen such a young lady with such arrogant conduct who made comments on the temple without any explanation. But Jennie was also a lot different from those unruly young ladies who would make a fuss of everything. But with Jennie's reasonable attitude, it made one unable to respond.
"Young lady does not know. Although there are not much pilgrims that offer incense, there are many monks in the temple." That old monk smiled and explained to Jennie.
"But if I were to stay along, it would be somewhat scary. What to do?" She asked.
"This..." Ren Wan Yun was still soothing, "Fifth Lady, it is only for one night. If one is able to get over this night, Buddha will see your sincerity and when incense is offered tomorrow, one's wishes would definitely come true."
If it was in the past, when Jennie heard that, she would be coaxed into it. After all, she was a person who was amenable to coaxing but not coercion, not to mention that there was Fu Jong Kai in her heart and would definitely wish that Buddha would grant her wish to be together with Kai and would swallow this little loss.
But now, there was some difference.
Ren Wan Yun was having some headaches. She did not know why but the current Jennie was a difficult person to deal with. Previously whatever she would say, Jennie would believe it and thus she was easily coaxed. But now, mistakes were constantly made and if Jennie was not resolved earlier, one fear that it would be an existence that would make one's head ache more.
"Why not like this." Jennie said with all smiles, "How about ShenShen and me will go to the North court to stay? With someone accompanying, I would feel at ease."
Chapter 60: Room
"This..." Ren Wan Yun was somewhat hesitating. If she were to stay with Jennie, and if she was to meet with any unexpected misfortune, it would be difficult for Ren Wan Yu to escape from public obligations. Not waiting for her to think out of a better way, Jennie continued speaking, "If ShenShen is not willing, then it is also alright if either Eldest Sister or Second Older Sister is willing to squeeze with me."
Shen Yue's gaze flashed but she did not speak. Even though Shen Qing did not know what her mother was planning, she could vaguely guess that this trip was targeted at Jennie. Additionally, she did not bother to conceal the hate she had for Jennie, naturally she coldly said, "I am used to living alone."
"As such..." Jennie muttered gently.
"Then I would go with Fifth Lady to stay at the Northern pavilion." Jennie's words were not even finished when Ren Wan Yun spoke. She was afraid that Jennie would change things at this time again and thinking that even though they were to stay together, she could still stay somewhat further away so that the blame will not fall to her. Since the Heavens were high and the Emperor far away, Shen Xin would not be able to say anything of her at that time as the truth was such.
Jennie smiled faintly, "Then many thanks for Second ShenShen's accompaniment."
Her words were polite but Ren Wan Yun could not help frowning, but she instantly put on a smiling face, "We are after all one family."
After settling the living arrangement, the next thing was to tidy things up. Because Shen Qing and Shen Yue were a little tired, they did not eat the vegetarian food together and went back to their individual rooms. After reaching the Northern pavilion, without waiting for Ren Wan Yun to speak, Jennie said, "I also feel very tired and would not be taking the meal with Second Shen and head directly to the room first."
Ren Wan Yun was surprised for a moment before smiling, "Then suit yourself. If one is tired, then rest early."
Jennie nodded in agreement.
When the young monk who led the three of them, mistress and servants, to the room, Jennie could not help but sigh with admiration.
Indeed, in such a cold and desolate temple like Wo Long Temple, there was this room that was particularly elegant. The side was lined with a small forest which made it quiet and even though the furnishings in the room were simple, they revealed exquisiteness everywhere. When one see it, one's heart would feel happy.
"The scenery here is really beautiful." Marie was unexpectedly surprised.
"Only honourable guests can stay in this particular room. The residence's Furen had instructed to leave this precious room for the young lady." The young monk said as his head lowered.
"Help me to thank Second Shen's good intentions." Jennie said lightly but her eyes were looking around. This room was located the innermost of the Northern pavilion, which meant that the surroundings were inaccessible. So if one were to scream, it would be useless.
It was rare to see that they even seal off any survival route. As for the exquisite layout of the room, one was afraid that it was out of the convenience of 'that person' to use.
"What is this incense?" Alexia picked up a few sticks of incense on the table and put it to her nose to smell, "It is similar to Orchids but is more fragrant than Orchids." Her eyes fell onto the Orchid designed incense burner, "This incense burner is also very unique."
Marie saw it and also smiled, "It seemed that the temple has also specifically inquired that Young Lady like to light incense before sleeping. Since Young Lady is tired at night, one will light it up before bedtime so that Young Lady can sleep well at night."
"Now, one feels that this Wo Long Temple is actually not bad." Alexia was laughing and joking, "No wonder even though it is located deep in the forest, Second Furen still arranged to come over to pray."
Jennie's brows slightly wrinkled. She walked forward a little and took the incense in Alexia's hands and smelt it, her brows tightening.
When the two girls saw it, they asked in hesitation, "Young Lady, is there anything wrong with this incense?"
Anything abnormal was evil. In Jennie's mind, after entering Wo Long Temple, she had not put her heart down. The more the place was proper, the more she could sense the danger in it. She had the habit of putting incense before she sleeps as incense burners gave off wonderful scents. Even if one didn't normally put insence, a normal female would light up the incense to match the quiet and elegant environment here.
But to her, it was not the case. The females who survived in the Inner Palace would use all kinds of means and methods to climb up and in Jennie's past life where she was the mistress of the six palaces for so many years, naturally she had the ability to make discerning judgments. These kind of shameful things, she had seen too many of it. As for the aphrodisiac in the incense, it was a common method that the concubines would play with.
If she was a normal unmarried Young Lady, naturally she would not have heard of such things.
"It is not good thing at all." Her hand loosened and those incenses fell down.
Marie and Alexia were surprised and looked at one another. After a moment Alexia said, "Then should I throw these things away?"
"No need." Jennie's gaze landed on those incenses that fell. Ren Wan Yun and that person had spent so much thought and effort to prepare such a good gift to her and it would be a pity if it was wasted. A sneer suddenly appeared on her lips, "Keep it. There would be a time to use it."
In the room that overlooked far from Jennie's room, Ren Wan Yun sat on the couch and facing an old woman who was hunching back. It was not someone else but Gui Momo.
"You know of today's matter. After it is successful, naturally you will benefit from it but if it fails..." Ren Wan Yun lightly coughed, "I do not need to tell you what kind of ending it would be."
When she spoke, there was not any of the usual amiable appearance and her eyes made one cold.
Gui Momo flattered with a smile, "Furen rest assured. Everything is handled by this old servant and when this old servant does things, naturally there would not be any mistakes. It is expected that tonight would go on smoothly."
Ren Wan Yun's expression only then eased down before she said, "I naturally trust you since you are the closest person to Fifth Lady. What we do is for the Shen residence. When Fifth Lady becomes sensible in the future, she would know the pros and cons and naturally would know that you are doing it for her own good and would not treat you unfairly."
Gui Momo nodded her head in agreement but her heart was filled with contempt. If Jennie knew of the matter in the future, it would not be strange for her to hate her to death and how would she treat her well. Thinking of what would be happening tonight, Gui Momo could not help but be somewhat frightened. She did not think that this Shen family's Second Shen Furen who always had an amiable appearance would think of such a vicious and cruel method. After all, if this matter fell on any unmarried female, it would be a life of death rather than living.
In the next moment, she saw Ren Wan Yun giving a look at Cai Ju, who was sitting beside her, and Cai Ju beamed as she took a sachet out and placed it onto Gui Momo's hands, "Will trouble Gui Momo to look over the matter for this time too."
Gui Momo pinched it with her fingers and when she found that the weight of the sachet was not light, happiness immediately bloomed on her face, "Will definitely let Furen be satisfied."
After saying a few more sentences, Gui Momo got up and left.
"Furen really wishes to rest here tonight?" Xiang Lan asked, "This is after all the same area as Fifth Young Lady's room."
"It matters not." Ren Wan Yun waved her hands unconcernedly, "Tomorrow morning, what I say would be what it is. Can not say precisely but when Eldest Bo returns, one fear that there will not be any one who knows of the matter." Her laughter was somewhat vicious, "Eldest Bo, Eldest Sao, who ask you all to block my Qing-er's road."
CHAPTERS COMPLETED & EDITED