Chapter 32 Let's be a little lighter today.
Fu Heng said this 'fragrance' was harmless to her. If that's the case, then if she could stay in the temple for a few days without any problems, wouldn't it mean she wouldn't mind leaving Fu Heng? Although the hope was slim, Meng Qingci still wanted to give it a try.
The gilded and silver-inlaid red-lacquered steamboats rumbled steadily along the official road, occasionally flashing a dazzling golden light amidst the rising dust.
The carriage, decorated with carved red lacquer and lotus scroll patterns, was fitted with a blue silk exterior and a vermilion brocade roof. Gold tassels hung from the four corners, and a bronze plaque bearing the name of the governor's mansion hung in one corner, swaying gently as the carriage moved, shimmering in the sunlight—a display of extreme extravagance.
Sitting in the carriage with its soft, embroidered cushions, Xia Guang couldn't help but ask curiously, "Miss, you don't disbelieve in gods and Buddhas, so why do you suddenly want to go to the Great Buddha Temple?"
Meng Qingci lightly lifted the embroidered cloud-patterned carriage curtain with her slender fingers, gazing at the lush scenery outside the city. A slight smile played on her lips as she casually replied, "Tired of wandering around the city? Came out for some fresh air. I don't believe you, but you do, don't you? Perfect timing, I'll have you light some incense."
Suddenly, her eyes flickered, glancing playfully at the sunset glow. She then pointedly raised her chin at Mo Song, who was riding alongside her outside the carriage, and said meaningfully, "It's a good opportunity for you to find a good match."
Xia Guang blushed instantly, feigning anger as she turned away: "You're just making fun of me!"
Meng Qingci continued gazing out the window, her tone teasing: "My eyes aren't blind. You two are always exchanging glances in front of me; it's hard for me to pretend I don't know. Dear Xiaguang, if it weren't for me, where would you get so many opportunities? Don't forget to give me a matchmaker's red envelope when the time comes!"
"Now that you're a mistress, you've become even more unseemly! All you do is tease your servants, I don't know what's wrong with that," Xia Guang said softly, her ears burning red. She bit her lower lip in embarrassment, then turned away towards the carriage door, determined to ignore her.
Seeing that Xia Guang's doubts had been dispelled, he stopped testing her. Meng Qingci had a faint smile on her lips as she turned her gaze to the window, leisurely appreciating the bright sunshine.
Near the Great Buddha Temple, a broken-down carriage was suddenly seen parked by the roadside. It was clear that the shaft had broken and the carriage could not move forward, and the driver looked distressed. Beside the carriage stood a master and servant, who were well-dressed but looked worried.
Gradually approaching from afar, the maid's tearful complaint drifted on the wind: "What kind of elders are they? Not only do they try to exploit the childless, but they also make things difficult for Miss at every turn. They're clearly doing it on purpose—"
Meng Qingci's eyes met those of the young woman standing beside the car. In the blink of an eye, the vehicles had already passed each other.
Meng Qingci thought of the woman's gentle yet resolute eyes, and her heart stirred slightly. She raised her hand and knocked on the carriage wall, calling out, "Stop the car."
Upon hearing the sound, Mo Song reined in his horse, gently spurred it to the carriage window, and bowed respectfully, asking, "What are your orders, young lady?"
Meng Qingci instructed him, "Go and see that master and servant couple. It seems their carriage has broken down. Go and lend a hand."
Mo Song glanced back, not daring to disobey his young master's wishes, and immediately replied "Yes," before turning his horse around and riding away.
Meng Qingci then said to Xia Guang, "It's inconvenient for him to be a grown man. You should go and see for yourself. It's not appropriate for a young lady to be alone in the middle of nowhere with only a maid and a coachman. She might encounter some misfortune. Go and ask if she would be willing to ride with me to the Great Buddha Temple. We can make further plans after that."
Xia Guang responded, deftly lifted the curtain and got out of the carriage, walking towards the broken-down carriage.
Before long, a clear and gentle female voice sounded from outside the carriage window: "The carriage broke down here today, leaving us in a dilemma. Fortunately, we met a kind young lady who offered to give us a ride. Zhu Youyi sincerely thanks you for your kindness."
Meng Qingci replied gently through the carriage curtain, "No need for formalities. If Miss Zhu doesn't mind, please get in the carriage."
After Zhu Youyi and her servant boarded the carriage and settled in, Zhu Youyi once again solemnly thanked Meng Qingci.
Meng Qingci lightly waved the round fan in her hand: "It was nothing, no need to mention it again."
At this moment, Mo Song reported from outside the carriage: "Miss, the carriage shaft is broken and cannot be repaired in a short time."
Meng Qingci was incredibly astute. He had already gleaned some clues from the few words the Zhu family master and servant had exchanged on the roadside. He then instructed, "Send someone with the coachman to the Zhu residence and ask them to send someone to fetch you."
Just as Mo Song was about to leave, Meng Qingci suddenly called out to him, asking, "Which Zhu family? Is it the Zhu family that runs the dye business?"
Zhu Youyi was surprised that she recognized her and replied, "That's right."
Meng Qingci frowned, her tone turning cold as she said bluntly, "Go, send someone to ask if the Zhu family's business is failing, since their young lady can't even afford a decent carriage when she goes out."
The Zhu family were merely merchants; being reprimanded by the governor's office would likely terrify them.
Mo Song didn't know why the young lady wanted to meddle in this matter. But it wasn't a big deal, so he called over a quick-witted maid, gave her some detailed instructions, and sent her back to the city with the coachman.
When the carriage passed by, Zhu Youyi caught a quick glance and thought the woman inside was exceptionally beautiful. Now, looking closer, she seemed even more remarkably young.
Seeing that Meng Qingci had her hair styled in a woman's bun, Zhu Youyi couldn't help but feel puzzled: since she was already married, why did the servants not call her "Madam" but still "Miss"?
She had just noticed the insignia of the governor's mansion hanging on the carriage shaft and suddenly remembered the rumors that had been circulating in the city recently, all saying that Governor Fu had a new beautiful woman by his side and that she was having an affair.
Zhu Youyi immediately understood. The person in front of her was probably the one from the rumors, who, although favored by the master, was not his lawfully wedded wife.
Rumors circulated that this woman was extravagant and ruthless, especially skilled at bewitching people, and was considered a femme fatale. However, at this moment, Zhu Youyi personally witnessed Meng Qingci's refined and serene demeanor, and realized that she was such an extraordinary person. She couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
The two were of similar age and soon began to chat. Meng Qingci then learned that Zhu Youyi was the eldest daughter of the Zhu family.
Minzhou is famous for its indigo dye, which is a highly sought-after commodity in maritime trade. Among the many dye merchants in Minzhou, the Zhu family is the most prominent.
Back when Meng Qingci was still in Minzhou, she helped Fu Jingyu send gifts to various parties at the old Marquis's residence. Therefore, although she did not meet them all in person, she had a good understanding of the prominent families in Minzhou.
Meng Qingci had previously been raised in the Marquis's garden, where she usually accompanied Fu Jingyu among the women. In the two years she had spent in the capital, her appearance had matured considerably, and she looked quite different. Moreover, she was merely a servant girl, and no one had expected her return; therefore, for a time, no one recognized her.
Upon arriving at the Great Buddha Temple, the two felt an instant connection. In the quiet meditation room, Meng Qingci listened attentively as Zhu Youyi explained her current predicament. After a moment of contemplation, she said slowly, "You now have no parents to support you, and no brothers to help you. According to clan etiquette, women have no right to inherit family property. Right now, the Zhu family's property deeds and money are in your hands. For the sake of appearances, your uncles haven't yet broken ties. But once you're out of mourning, their patience will run out, and they won't just negotiate; they'll openly seize it."
Her tone turned serious, her gaze sharp: "If you still refuse to back down by then, they only need to spend some money to bribe the officials, and re-establishing the legal documents will not be difficult. The laws and social order have always favored the male members of the clan. Even if you are unwilling, it is difficult for one person to protect your father's life's work. Have you thought about all this, and what your plans are for the future?"
Zhu Youyi pursed her lips slightly and said in a low voice, "My grandfather favored his concubine over his wife back then, and now all my uncles were born to my stepmother. There are no relatives left in the Zhu family, and nothing left for me to stay for. My father was wary of them before he died, and no one but me has ever seen the account books. I have already secretly transferred the cash away. However, I have a lot of properties and shops under my name, and it is difficult to sell them in a short time."
She sighed softly, then continued, "The families in the city are deeply intertwined, and no one is willing to set this precedent, take on this hot potato, be accused of disrespecting clan rules and breaking regulations, and offend the entire Zhu clan for no reason. But I am even less willing to let those covetous wolves benefit from this, which is why I have delayed until now."
Meng Qingci saw that although Zhu Youyi was alone in the world, she was a woman with strong opinions and was not as weak as ordinary young ladies. She even had a rebellious streak and dared to defy the clan's rules and regulations.
She couldn't help but feel a sense of shared misfortune. After a moment's hesitation, she leaned closer and whispered a few words in Zhu Youyi's ear.
Zhu Youyi's previously perplexing problem was solved by Meng Qingci with just a few words. It was quite astonishing that Meng Qingci, a concubine's daughter, was so favored by the governor, and that she could make decisions on such important matters involving hundreds of thousands of taels of silver without needing to consult him.
However, after this conversation, she was convinced that Meng Qingci was not exaggerating. She was deeply moved and grateful that Meng Qingci was willing to help her so much despite being strangers. Without hesitation, she solemnly nodded in agreement.
Just as Meng Qingci approached, Zhu Youyi suddenly noticed something unusual in the scent of perfume lingering around Meng Qingci's clothes. Her eyes flashed with uncertainty, and she asked hesitantly, "Have you been 'planted' with perfume?"
Meng Qingci's body stiffened abruptly, and she grabbed Zhu Youyi's hand tightly. Her fingertips trembled slightly, and her beautiful eyes scanned the other's face anxiously, both excited and afraid that she was hallucinating because she was too eager to undo the 'incense'.
Meng Qingci glanced nervously outside the meditation room, making sure the rosy light wasn't getting any closer, before asking, "How did you know?"
Zhu Youyi: "Actually, I..."
Just then, Xia Guang reported from outside the door: "Miss, Song Bojian, Master Song, requests an audience."
Meng Qingci gestured for Zhu Youyi to be quiet. She felt her heart leap into her throat. She took a deep breath and said to Zhu Youyi, "Go back and wait for my invitation. Let the Zhu family not dare to act recklessly in front of the Fujian-Guangdong governor."
Seeing her restrained expression, Zhu Youyi nodded knowingly, thinking to herself: When I get back, I should carefully review the notes my mother left behind to confirm them.
After bidding farewell to Zhu Youyi, Meng Qingci met Song Bojian in the rockery pavilion behind the Daxiong Temple.
Seeing that Meng Qingci had grown tall and slender, like a blooming peony, yet was dressed as a woman, Song Bojian's eyes widened with grief: "How could she have become like this?"
Meng Qingci angrily questioned him, "Didn't I ask Xia Guang to deliver a message to you? Why did you still come looking for me? He's the governor, and you're just a powerless merchant. Don't you value your life?"
Song Bojian's voice was low, yet each word was clear: "I understand your concerns. But I, Song Bojian, am by no means a heartless and ungrateful person. I will find an opportunity to see you. If I can help you, I would gladly give my life."
His gaze was intense, and his tone became increasingly firm: "If you hadn't saved me back then, I would have been dead long ago. My life belongs to you."
These past few days, Song Bojian had been constantly worried about Meng Qingci and had been secretly sending people to keep an eye on the governor's mansion. Upon learning that she had left the city today to visit the Daxiong Temple, he saw this as a rare opportunity to meet her and immediately rode at full speed to come. He wanted to ask her if she was facing any difficulties, and although he was of humble status and limited power, he was willing to do his part to help her.
“I didn’t save you for that reason. We’re even now, so there’s no need for us to see each other again. If you hear anything about me in the future, it’s none of your business. You should leave now.” Meng Qingci sighed and turned away, refusing to look at Song Bojian again.
Meng Qingci had initially valued Song Bojian's innocent heart, but she knew Fu Heng's suspicious nature. If Fu Heng found out that Song Bojian was meeting with another man, especially one with whom she had a marriage pact, she feared he would kill him. That's why she immediately cut ties with Song Bojian upon her return, not wanting to harm him.
Seeing her slender shoulders, Song Bojian noticed she had clearly lost weight. Her cold demeanor with her back to him caused a tightness in his chest. After a moment's hesitation, he still asked, "Are you alright these days?"
Meng Qingci's voice was cold: "Didn't you see it all? Dressed in gold and silver, with servants at your beck and call, spending thousands of dollars every day. There's nothing better. Don't come looking for me anymore. You don't owe me anything. If we meet again in the future, just pretend you never knew me."
Song Bojian said softly, "If you need anything that day, just send someone to give me a message. My promise to you will always stand."
"We have no further agreement. You may leave." Meng Qingci stood straight, her nose tingling with emotion at his sincerity. She wondered how she could have mistaken the two brothers, Song Bojian and Song Wenjing, whose personalities were clearly worlds apart.
After Song Bojian left, Xia Guang stepped into the pavilion and saw Meng Qingci standing in the wind. She gently advised, "Miss, you are not feeling well right now. It is not advisable to stay in this windy place for long. Why don't you come down with me?"
Seeing the rosy dawn approaching, Meng Qingci composed herself and stepped down from the artificial hill. She saw the ink pine tree standing quietly below, head bowed, guarding it closely, its expression slightly strange.
She couldn't help but sneer: "What happened today is not worth mentioning. Tell your men to keep their mouths shut. If anyone causes trouble and tries to use this to show off their loyalty or spread rumors in front of the master, I won't mind letting them taste what it's like to be treated unfairly." She paused slightly, her eyes clear and cold: "I wouldn't mind letting them experience what it's like to be treated unfairly."
She glanced at Mo Song and threatened him without any attempt to hide it: "Too rigid a man is easily broken. Loyal servants who are too inflexible often come to a bad end, and usually die the most miserable deaths."
Mo Song felt a chill run down his spine from her eerie voice; he never expected her to threaten him so blatantly.
The four Mo brothers were absolutely loyal to Fu Heng, but at this moment, Meng Qingci had also seized their weakness.
Given how much his master currently dotes on her, Mo Song has no doubt that if this ancestor were to whisper sweet nothings in his ear, he would be doomed.
Mo Song thought about it again and realized that her words made sense. He felt that there was nothing wrong with it originally, but if he reported today's events to his master, given his master's temperament, he would definitely cause more trouble. In the end, if the two of them had a falling out, they, the servants, would be the ones who would suffer the consequences and wouldn't get anything good out of it.
Mo Song pondered for a few moments, then quickly bowed and smiled apologetically: "Don't worry, Miss, I will definitely keep everyone quiet. Nothing happened today."
Meng Qingci gave a light snort, said no more, and turned to leave.
Seeing Xia Guang descend, Mo Song couldn't help but mutter a complaint: "It was all your idea! Now I'm in a dilemma! If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have let you go to report."
Xia Guang glared at him, lowering her voice even further: "After all this time, you still haven't figured out the girl's personality? If she finds out later that you stopped her and deceived her, do you think you'll get away with it?"
She glanced at Meng Qingci's receding figure and advised, "This girl is intolerant of any wrongdoing and is not a soft-hearted person. I advise you to see things clearly as soon as possible." After saying that, she hurriedly followed after him.
Mo Song could only lament his misfortune in the back. What he never expected was that something even more unfortunate was waiting for him today.
As dusk settled, the afterglow of the setting sun painted the sky with a warm gold, which then shone upon the roof ridge of the Mahavira Temple.
Meng Qingci insisted on staying overnight at Daxiong Temple and even asked the temple for a quiet courtyard to settle in.
She had made this arrangement right under his nose, yet Mo Song had been completely unaware beforehand. His heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly remembered the eldest daughter of the Zhu family whom he had "coincidentally" met earlier that day. He instantly understood, cursing himself for his negligence; the girl must have entrusted the eldest daughter of the Zhu family to do it.
Mo Song felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, but he dared not force it. He could only remind her, "Miss, we should hurry back. Our master has instructed us to return to the manor if we stay out too long. Staying out too long will be bad for your health."
Meng Qingci asked him with a half-smile, "Really? How come I didn't know? Why don't you tell me in detail?"
Mo Song was merely following orders; how could he possibly explain himself? He was so anxious that he was covered in cold sweat and could only plead in a low voice, "Miss, please have pity on us servants! Let's set off back to the manor before it gets completely dark."
Meng Qingci ignored him and turned to enter the meditation room, slamming the door shut. Mo Song stood frozen outside, looking bewildered and pleading for help from Xia Guang.
Xia Guang gave him a helpless look, then turned and went to the back kitchen of the Great Buddha Temple to arrange a vegetarian meal for Meng Qingci.
Mo Song's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly summoned his servants and shouted sternly, "Quickly! Return to the manor immediately to report to the master! If there is even the slightest delay, neither of us can bear the consequences!"
A servant girl responded and immediately turned and ran down the mountain. Reaching the foot of the mountain, she mounted her horse and, without a moment's delay, spurred it on and galloped towards the mansion.
That night, after having eaten the vegetarian meal at the temple, Meng Qingci dismissed Xia Guang and the others. The door was bolted, and the candles were extinguished early. She lay alone on the slightly hard bed in the meditation room, initially feeling very uneasy and tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
After an unknown amount of time, perhaps due to the day's exertions, Meng Qingci finally felt her eyelids grow heavy and droopy. No longer caring about anything else, she gradually drifted off to sleep.
In her dream, she saw only a vast, inky darkness, boundless and swallowing everything. She walked alone, but gradually felt a heaviness all over her body, as if an invisible force was pressing down on her, making her steps increasingly sluggish and her breathing difficult.
She tried to gasp for breath and shout, but something blocked her throat, and she couldn't make a sound. Looking around in panic, she realized she was all alone in the world. Her cries for help went unanswered, and a chilling coldness spread from the depths of her heart.
As if a massive boulder were pressing down on her chest, Meng Qingci suddenly awoke with a start, her eyes snapping open. In her panic, she unexpectedly met a pair of deep, slender black eyes.
If it wasn't Fu Heng, then who was it?
Meng Qingci reached out and pressed against his chest, trying to gain some breathing space, and asked angrily, "What are you doing here?"
“You’ve been quite naughty.” Fu Heng firmly pinned her still struggling hands to the side of the pillow: “If you refuse to listen, then naturally your godfather will have to punish you personally.”
Hearing his shameless and outrageous words, Meng Qingci was slightly annoyed and glared at him angrily: "You're lying. There's no such thing as 'fragrant cultivation'."
Fu Heng's breath brushed against her ear, and he chuckled softly, "Good girl, don't ask. You wouldn't want to know."
Meng Qingci noticed that his actions were becoming increasingly inappropriate, and her voice changed in shock: "Are you crazy? This is a sacred Buddhist site!"
Fu Heng chuckled, his fingertips brushing against her trembling lips, his voice low and dangerous: "Since you're so naughty and disobedient, naturally all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens will watch how I punish you."
Meng Qingci suddenly raised her leg to kick him, but dared not raise her voice, so she could only lower her voice and scold him urgently: "You bastard! You don't know how to be a human being, but I do. Get up now."
Fu Heng's expression turned cold, his eyes as deep as the night, and his voice filled with an unyielding chill: "It's too late to regret it now."
Fu Heng easily subdued her kicking legs, then deftly pulled off her belt and tied her struggling wrists to the bed railing.
Meng Qingci's black hair was disheveled, spread out on the pillow like ink, with a few strands obscuring half of her face. Her clear, bright eyes were filled with fear, unable to believe that he was so crazy. She quickly apologized and said, "I was wrong, please forgive me this time."
Fu Heng slowly and deliberately placed his fingers on the buckle on his waist, his voice still deep and warm, the same as when he was alone with her: "Don't be afraid, I'll be gentler today."
Hearing this, Meng Qingci felt a chill run down her spine. Her voice trembled with anxiety, and she struggled violently, pleading, "Let me go! Please! I was wrong, really, not here, not here..."
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Author's note: That's a lot for today! [heart emoji]
My upcoming novel, "Locking the Golden Branch," is incredibly good!
Wang Yuanzhen saved Xiao Yan's life, but Xiao Yan repaid kindness with enmity, forcibly seizing his property.
As Xiao Yan lay dying from his severe injuries, he saw a woman, graceful in the light and shadow, wearing a jade lotus headdress with two flowing ribbons, and a Guanyin mole between her brows, like a celestial maiden descended to earth.
He should have repaid the debt of saving his life, but instead he committed despicable acts.
Mine clearance:
1. Classic melodramatic plot, 1v2, male lead is completely virgin, female lead is a delicate beauty × a ruthless hero.
2. A fictional, chaotic medley of events, with numerous warlords vying for power.
3. The trope of forcibly taking or seizing property.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
