Chapter 16

In the passing days, there was still no news from the palace. The emperor issued an order for some unknown reason, demanding that all personnel wait in Yuzhi City and forbidding anyone from entering the imperial city without permission. This news made Cheng Nanyu increasingly restless, unable to understand what the emperor was planning.

Unwilling to delay any further, she decided to go to Beichan Temple as soon as possible to find Master Jia Rong and seek a solution to save her father.

“You mean Master Jia Rong?”

Cheng Lingdong, holding a cat, sat in the small garden of the Princess of Qingyang’s residence, watching the visibly anxious Cheng Nanyu. Hearing her mention Master Jia Rong in a seemingly casual manner, his heart sank slightly.

Although no one had mentioned it to him, she knew very well what Cheng Nanyu was worried about, as did she. Despite their usual mutual trust and openness, not a word could be spoken about this now.

Cheng Nanyu was doing it for her father, and she was doing it for herself.

However, Cheng Nanyu knowing about Master Jia Rong was quite surprising.

“I have heard a bit about Master Jia Rong. It is said that he is quite prestigious in Beichan Temple, respected even by the abbot. But…”

“But what?”

Cheng Nanyu asked eagerly, as Cheng Lingdong suddenly paused.

Impatient, she immediately pressed her to continue.

Cheng Lingdong looked down at the cat in her arms, which, sensing her gaze, raised its fluffy little head and let out a soft meow.

“It is said that Master Jia Rong often travels around and is rarely at Beichan Temple.”

She suddenly remembered reading that this Master Jia Rong was quite capable, especially in pharmacology. Someone must have told Cheng Nanyu something; otherwise, given her limited information sources, she couldn’t have known about this.

“Why did you suddenly think of Master Jia Rong?”

Pretending to ask casually, Cheng Lingdong was actually observing Cheng Nanyu carefully, trying to verify her suspicions. As expected, she saw Cheng Nanyu’s obvious hesitation, her speech stumbling thereafter.

“I just thought of praying for my family, so I wanted to go to Beichan Temple to offer incense. Someone mentioned that there is a very capable master there, so I just casually asked.”

Knowing she wasn’t good at lying, Cheng Nanyu quickly sat down after speaking, hurriedly drank some tea that Qingluan had prepared, and then looked back at Cheng Lingdong.

“Lingdong, accompany me to offer incense tomorrow.”

She approached her earnestly, her words filled with a probing tone and her face full of pleading. Cheng Lingdong glanced at her and silently nodded.

She always tried to fulfill Cheng Nanyu’s requests, especially those within her power, even though she really didn’t want to get involved in this matter.

“Beichan Temple is quite far. If you want to go, we should leave early tomorrow.”

“No problem, I’m ready.”

Cheng Nanyu interrupted her, nodding confidently. Cheng Lingdong believed she would wake up early, given how much this matter concerned General Fang.

“Then I’ll go back first today. We’ll leave early tomorrow, keeping a low profile.”

Cheng Lingdong stood up, and Cheng Nanyu also prepared to stand and see her off. However, she pressed her shoulder down, indicating she didn’t need to see her out, and placed the kitten on her lap, leaving her no choice but to comply.

“This kitten was brought from the Empress Dowager. I see you don’t have much to do, so keep doing it to amuse yourself. Take good care of it.”

She gave detailed instructions and spoke to Qingluan about the kitten’s diet. Cheng Nanyu listened while looking at the kitten, which seemed to like its new owner, nuzzling against her hand.

She felt her hand itch slightly, wondering why this kitten felt different from the Empress Dowager’s other cats.

Cheng Lingdong left with her attendants without letting Cheng Nanyu see her out. She didn’t mind, as she had been to the Princess of Qingyang’s residence countless times and knew her way around.

As she played with the kitten, Cheng Lingdong walked through the corridors and paused at the end, looking back at Cheng Nanyu before silently continuing.

Time flew by, and soon it was the next day.

They set off before dawn.

Cheng Nanyu, sitting in the carriage, lifted the curtain slightly, peering out into the darkness and sighing softly.

She didn’t know why, but she inexplicably trusted Song Yushu, feeling that he wouldn’t lie to her about this matter. Yet she couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Logically, her father’s poisoning should be kept secret, even from her brother. However, Song Yushu’s words made her feel like he knew something too.

Her mother had instructed her not to tell anyone, and she obediently complied. However, the matter still reached her brother’s ears with unforeseen speed.

“What are you thinking about? We’ve arrived.”

Lost in her thoughts, Cheng Lingdong suddenly tapped her on the shoulder, startling her. She poked her head out of the carriage to look outside, and she quickly got out with her.

Beichan Temple was indeed quite far. They had set out before dawn, and by the time they arrived, the sun was already high in the sky. It was Cheng Nanyu’s first time here, and she found the place quite fascinating.

She had heard that the peach blossoms at Beichan Temple were exceptional. Now that she was here, she realized those words were true. Even though they were only at the entrance, they could already see the peach trees on either side, with a thin layer of peach blossoms covering the ground.

“Beichan Temple truly lives up to its reputation; it is indeed a beautiful place.”

She got off the carriage and took Cheng Lingdong’s hand, leading her inside. Perhaps because she was about to meet Master Jia Rong, she was in good spirits. Little did she know, Cheng Lingdong behind her, looking at the peach petals scattered everywhere, felt a complicated mix of emotions.

As someone who came from the future, no one could understand better than her what was about to unfold.