Not very smart
Xiao Diting rode his horse through the streets and alleys of Jiangzhou. The white walls and black tiles on both sides gradually thinned out and were replaced by patches of greenery. The mountain paths were easy to walk, and he did not waste much time.
Finding Qingshan Temple is easy; just ask the locals for directions.
Many kind-hearted women, carrying vegetable baskets, would smile and ask her, "Young lady, you don't speak with a local accent, are you here also seeking a marriage partner?"
Xiao Di listened but smiled without speaking, not correcting the woman's misunderstanding. In order not to attract attention, she changed into a fine cloth outfit before disembarking, the dark color making her face look like white porcelain.
She nodded gently, ignored the woman's questioning, and turned her horse around to head towards the temple.
The woman wanted to ask more questions, but her attendant slipped her a small amount of silver. She was so happy that she forgot all about her curiosity about these outsiders.
Upon arriving at the gate of Qingshan Temple, one sees the winding steps paved with bluestone leading upwards. Although the temple gate is old, it is clean and tidy, and the three characters "Qingshan Temple" on the lintel exude a sense of vigor.
Xiao Diting dismounted. Her horsemanship had improved day by day, and she was even faster than her attendants. She ordered someone to guard the entrance, and she calmly stepped into the temple, her hair disheveled by the wind.
A young monk dressed in a Taoist robe was playing around with his senior brother in the courtyard.
Two tiny children were playing together, while their master sat on the steps not far away, meditating and turning a blind eye to their antics.
When Xiao Diting appeared, one of the younger children bumped into her waist without noticing, and the back of his head hit the metal accessory she was wearing, making a painful "hiss" sound.
"Be careful." She pulled the little monk up from the ground. The child was shy and hid behind his senior brother, looking at her timidly.
Xiao Diting patiently opened his palm to the child and magically produced a small paper packet. He glanced at the old monk who was still meditating beside him, looking calm and composed.
The young monk dared not accept it, and like a firecracker, he rushed towards his master, his delicate voice blaring, "Master—there is a female benefactor—"
The old monk then put down his prayer beads, glanced at her through one eye, slowly got up, and waved his sleeve, saying, "Please don't be offended, benefactor. This child is too young and likes to make a fuss."
Xiao Diting stuffed the paper packet into the hand of the slightly older little monk. Seeing that his master didn't react, the slightly older little monk happily took it, opened it, and found that it was a small packet of candied fruit.
The two young monks knew the adults had something to say, so the older one, the one with the colored hair, pulled the younger one away, leaving only the old monk and her, the uninvited guest, in the courtyard.
It would take some time to get to Qingshan Temple. The sun was already high in the sky. The old monk stood where he had just been meditating, watching the young monks leave, standing like a pine tree blocking Xiao Diting's way in.
Xiao Diting bowed with his sword in hand: "I have heard that Master Chenyi of Qingshan Temple is a man of extraordinary bearing. I presume you are him. I have offended you greatly. Please forgive me, Master."
Chen Yi snorted coldly, his face, crisscrossed like rotten wood, showing a look of disgust: "The plaque of this 'Qingshan Temple' was personally bestowed by the late emperor when he came to Jiangzhou. However, after many years, the incense has become desolate, and yet a junior has dared to be so audacious as to bring a knife inside."
Xiao Diting was not deterred by the old man's fierce but weak words. She maintained her previous composed demeanor and said, "This junior has come to find Madam Wang on someone's behalf."
There is no "Wang" family among the prominent families in Jiangzhou. Xiao Diting has an extraordinary demeanor, so it is self-evident whose lady he came to invite.
She didn't know if Madam Yang was here, so she could only make up an excuse on the spot. After all, the old monk had an unwelcoming attitude, which made her even more suspicious.
At the same time, since we are on someone else's territory, we cannot use the "Listening" ability casually.
"Looking for Madam Wang? You're out of luck. That lady had some distinguished guests who just left." Upon hearing that he was looking for Madam Wang, Master Chen narrowed his eyes, though he probably didn't realize that his expression had relaxed somewhat.
Xiao Diting gave a soft "oh" and showed no intention of leaving. Master Chenyi couldn't help but feel a little anxious. He put his hands together and said, "If the female benefactor has nothing to ask, please do not disturb the Buddhist temple."
Xiao Diting pressed his sword and took a step forward: "It's not that I'm unintentional. Since I unfortunately missed Lady Wang, I've come here hoping to ask for something else."
She spoke earnestly, her smile unwavering, but Chen Yi knew she had ulterior motives. The air between them suddenly froze, and tensions rose, neither daring to make a move.
“Master Chenyi, this is the person I invited. Please let her in.”
A clear, cool voice broke the silence, and the wooden door behind the old monk opened a crack, indicating that Xiao Diting could enter from there.
Master Chenyi stood blocking the doorway, his eyes darting back and forth between Xiao Diting, and whispered, "But..."
"I've been waiting for her for a long time, Master. Don't scare away our distinguished guest."
The owner of the voice said something else, and Chen Yi reluctantly made way for him. As he passed Master Chen Yi, he called out to Xiao Diting, "There's a hidden compartment down there, don't step on it."
Xiao Diting paused, looking the old man up and down with surprise: "So if you hadn't stood up straight just now, I would have been riddled with bullets?"
Master Chenyi continued to sneer: "Not that neat."
Xiao Diting: ...
That old man has a strange sense of humor.
She and Chen Yi walked in together, disliking each other. Their previous encounter made the atmosphere between them very strange. Xiao Diting disliked that this person did not act like a nun, and Chen Yi also felt that her methods were just those of a country bumpkin.
As expected, behind the wooden door was an elegant meditation room. Light streamed in through the carved wooden window, making the dust motes in the air clearly visible.
Madam Yang sat on a cushion by the window, dressed in a plain dress that accentuated her detached and serene demeanor. She wore very few accessories, which made her appear simple but not impoverished.
She had just knelt on the prayer mat and bowed to someone's incense burner. Seeing Xiao Diting enter, she got up and went to the table for entertaining customers. She picked up the teapot and poured tea into the celadon cups with smooth and flowing movements, and the aroma of tea filled the room.
Xiao Diting stood a few steps away from her, his gaze fixed on her. Without any intention of pleasantries, he went straight to the point: "Madam Yang, I won't bother with anything else. I am a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and have important matters to discuss with you."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yang raised her eyes and glanced at her. Her gaze was as calm as a deep pool. Without pausing her work, she pushed the full teacup towards the opposite side and said in a soft voice, "Sit."
She understood the common sense of tea being half-full and wine being full, so Xiao Diting stood still and raised an eyebrow slightly: "No need, this humble servant is in a hurry and is not here to drink tea."
Madam Yang placed the teapot on the table, her fingertips tracing the edge of the warm teacup, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips: "Is this the same impatient manner of all the Embroidered Uniform Guards... It seems they are all of the same ilk."
She paused, then looked up at me: "However, I prefer to be called Madam Shuangqiao rather than Madam Yang."
Xiao Diting frowned slightly, unsure of who she was alluding to, so he didn't respond, his tone turning colder: "Does Madam mean she doesn't want to talk to me any longer?"
Madam Shuangqiao seemed not to hear her question, avoiding answering. She picked up her teacup, gently blew away the foam, and pushed another cup toward her.
She maintained her unhurried tone, but Xiao Diting knew that if she didn't drink the tea, it would be difficult to continue the conversation.
"The pre-rain tea at this temple is quite good, would you like to try some?" Madam Shuangqiao asked her again, and she subconsciously pressed down on the hilt of her knife, pursing her lips.
The aroma of tea grew stronger, mingling with the faint sandalwood scent in the meditation room, which softened Xiao Diting's imposing aura somewhat.
She stared at the cup of tea, then at Madam Shuangqiao's calm and collected face, and finally didn't ask any more questions. She just stood there, her gaze fixed on Madam Shuangqiao.
The strange events she encountered on her way to Jiangzhou were most likely related to this Lady Shuangqiao. Upon arriving here and seeing her attitude, her suspicions were further confirmed.
The woman from the Ji family was the mastermind behind that incident. The cemetery was there to lure her there. Judging from her tone, she seemed to be an old acquaintance of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Xiao Diting's gaze lingered on the cup of tea for a moment, but ultimately remained unmoved.
She lightly stroked the hilt of her sword with her fingertips and said coldly, "Since Madam Shuangqiao knows that I am a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, she should understand that we are not here to drink tea and discuss philosophy."
Madam Shuangqiao put down her teacup, her expression unchanged. Beneath her delicate eyebrows, her eyes shone brightly, as if they could see through everything.
Xiao Diting was speechless under her gaze, but he still forced himself to continue, "The corpse on the mast, the Ji family crest, and the 'tranquility' of your Qingshan Temple—every single thing seems strange..."
"You went to such lengths to lure me here, what exactly do you want?"
Madam Shuangqiao took a sip of tea, the tea mist blurring the expression in her eyes. She grinned, revealing a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
“You’re quite direct, young lady.” She put down her teacup, the porcelain cup making a soft sound as it touched the wooden table. “But some things can’t be rushed.”
"Can't be rushed?" Xiao Diting frowned, took half a step forward, and his aura suddenly became sharp. "The corpse's eyes were gouged out, and the cuts were clean. It was clearly deliberately displayed to the public... Moreover, your words are also an indirect admission that you did all of this?"
Madam Shuangqiao leaned back and readily admitted, "Yes, it was all my doing. I know that the girl from the Shangguan family came with me; she saw through my despicable methods."
When she mentioned these things, Madam Shuangqiao could not hide her excitement, as if a carefully wrapped gift had been unwrapped, and there was not a trace of displeasure on her face.
She raised her chin mockingly and stood up gracefully. Master Chenyi subtly moved around from Xiao Diting's side to behind her. The old monk's face was inscrutable, as he was already used to her ways.
Xiao Diting nervously gripped the hilt of her knife and pulled it upwards slightly. Madam Shuangqiao pressed closer, and when she got right in front of her, she smelled a strong medicinal fragrance.
"Are you going to be rude to me?" Lady Shuangqiao mockingly pressed down on her hand. "You're so young, it's quite reassuring for the Imperial Guards to let you come to see me alone."
Xiao Diting took a deep breath and dodged her seemingly insignificant hand with ease, but she felt an immense force bearing down on her body as soon as she moved.
“You have old acquaintances with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which is none of my business.” Xiao Diting suppressed his unease. “I only ask you, what exactly do you want with me here? Who is that corpse? What is its connection to the Ji family?”
Lady Shuangqiao suddenly changed the subject, looking out at the greenery: "How is the investigation of the salt and iron business in Jiangzhou by the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"
Xiao Diting frowned: "This is probably none of your business."
“How could it be unrelated?” Madam Shuangqiao chuckled. “When the Ji family was not in decline, they were the largest imperial merchants in Jiangzhou, specializing in salt and iron procurement. Unfortunately, later…” She paused, a hint of melancholy in her voice.
"After the shipwreck, his family property was seized, and even his title as an imperial merchant was taken by someone else."
Xiao Diting gripped the hilt of his knife tightly.
Salt and iron accounts! She finally understood.
"You mean..."
“I mean,” Madam Shuangqiao interrupted her, looking up at her with a strange light in her eyes, “the shady dealings in the Jiangzhou salt and iron business are inextricably linked to the people who took away the Ji family’s property back then… I brought you here because I have a favor to ask.”
"Beg me?" Xiao Diting sneered. "What makes you think I'd help you?"
"Have you met Wang Shude, the prefect of Jiangzhou? Last year's Huaizhou grain bill, which shocked the court and the public, was inextricably linked to Prefect Wang. Go southwest from Qingshan Temple; there you will find my sincerity."
Lady Shuangqiao turned her back to her and refused to look at her. Xiao Diting suddenly realized that, just as she had guessed, the Huaizhou grain draft and the Jiangzhou salt and iron accounts were inextricably linked!
Both cases involved the exchange of gold and silver and the trade of goods. At this critical juncture, a "Madam Frostbridge" appeared and connected these matters.
Even if it's for her own benefit, she has to try and break into it.
This "sincerity" was tempting enough. Xiao Diting put away his sword, clasped his hands in a bow, and said, "Then I thank you in advance, Madam!"
Lady Shuangqiao curved the corners of her mouth, revealing a more genuine smile.
"Go on, my good boy, I'll be waiting for your good news."
Master Chenyi closed the door and turned to look at Madam Shuangqiao, or rather Ji Shuangqiao, who had come along to see the guest off.
The late autumn in Jiangzhou was not as cold as in the capital, but she had been unwell for a long time. Holding a hand warmer, she stood behind the old monk, her face actually looking extremely pale, having shed the confidence she had just displayed in her negotiations.
Master Chenyi had once received favors from the Ji family and felt great affection for Ji Shuangqiao, so he had some reservations about her actions.
There's no other reason, it's just too dangerous.
"Xiaoning, I'm not trying to criticize you, but why do you insist on getting involved in this mess?" Master Chenyi looked at her with a disappointed expression. He called her by her nickname and tremblingly reached out to take her hand.
Ji Shuangqiao subtly avoided the old woman's words, pretending not to understand her concern. She had always been like this since she was a child; once she made up her mind to do something, nothing could stop her.
She avoided answering, somewhat curious about the decision on the other side: "Why would the Embroidered Uniform Guard send such a young face? Perhaps they're struggling to survive?"
Master Chen felt a tightness in his chest when he saw her like this; he couldn't rest easy without offering her some comfort. Many years ago, Young Master Ji had passed away, and the whole family had been in poor health.
Ji Shuangqiao is now the only one left in the Ji family. He had a lot to say, but after much hesitation, he could only go along with her and say, "I watched you grow up. If you have any difficulties, just say them directly. Even the living Prefect Yang has to show me some respect..."
Ji Shuangqiao smiled bitterly, carrying the hand warmer as she walked towards the tea room, her tone light and airy: "Master, I am not doing this for myself."
"Then what do you, a woman, want?"
Ji Shuangqiao clasped her hands together, knelt on the prayer mat, closed her eyes devoutly, and bowed to the incense table.
"All I seek is a belated 'cause and effect'."
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