Lin Wanrong's voice was louder this time, and everyone heard it. Xiao Yuruo, feeling anxious, quickly grabbed Madam Xiao's hand and said, "Mother, where is my sister?"
Mr. Xiao sighed, "Yusuang is too obsessed. Since the incident with you, she seems to have changed. She keeps blaming herself for what happened, hiding in her room all day, refusing to see anyone. In those days, I didn't find a way to rescue you, and I was too busy to care for her. Unexpectedly, the next day, that girl secretly went to Qixia Temple alone, saying she wanted to fast and pray for your well-being, refusing to see anyone. This foolish girl..." Madam Xiao said, her eyes welled with tears, recalling the dark days.
Lin Wanrong suddenly realized, "Oh, my God, how could I be so confused? The monk went to the temple for ordination, and Miss Second should have gone to the convent. What nonsense am I saying? How could such a lovely girl have dark thoughts? She was just praying for us, not becoming a nun." Even though he was relieved, he was still startled, thinking, "This girl, she really cares about me."
He knew that Xiao Yusuang must feel deeply guilty for exposing Lin Wanrong's identity with her scream that night. She blamed herself and took all the responsibility. Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, thinking, "This girl is too naive, but I like it!"
While the people in the Xiao residence were celebrating, a hurried voice came from afar, "May heaven bless you, virtuous sister, you have returned safely."
Lin Wanrong turned around to see Tao Dongcheng rushing towards them from a distance, still a bit unsteady on his feet, seemingly suffering from the aftermath of falling off his horse.
Madam Xiao said to Miss Xiao, "Yuruo, this time, thanks to Master Tao's arrangements and Commander Cheng's command, we were able to get the troops to rescue you. Otherwise..."
"In that case, I thank Master Tao," Xiao Yuruo calmly replied to Tao Dongcheng, who had just arrived.
Tao Dongcheng took a few breaths and quickly responded, "Miss, there's no need for such words. Dongcheng is willing to do anything for Miss. Yesterday, when I led the troops up the mountain and found out that Miss had been kidnapped, I was a step too late. I felt regretful. Just now, someone came to report that Miss has returned unharmed. I hurried over, and now seeing virtuous sister safe and sound, I can finally feel at ease."
Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly, thinking, "Damn, my face is thick-skinned, but this guy Tao's face is no less thick. Whatever he says sounds like sweet talk."
He had already fallen out with Tao Dongcheng, and now, with his body protected by divine skills and divine spear, he wasn't afraid of this Tao guy. Smiling, he said, "Others may not have seen it, but I witnessed it myself. Yesterday, Master Tao rode a white horse with a silver spear, such a posture, such a demeanor, truly magnificent."
Miss Xiao gave him a stern look but couldn't help but chuckle secretly. Lin Wanrong's teasing of Tao Dongcheng falling off his horse yesterday was witnessed by her. She thought, "Although Tao Dongcheng is bad, you are even worse by many times."
Tao Dongcheng cursed Lin Wanrong countless times in his heart, but he couldn't admit it openly. He just forced a dry laugh and didn't reply.
Miss Xiao said, "Mother, now that we have safely returned, I will go and bring back Yusuang."
Madam Xiao said, "It's getting late today. Considering Yusuang's temper, you know her well. She made a vow in front of the Bodhisattva, and no one can stop her. After this incident, I see that she seems to have grown up a lot. Let her fulfill her one-month fasting vow. We've been through a lot in the Xiao family recently, and this can be considered her way of repaying us. Tomorrow morning, go see her and let her have peace of mind."
Lin Wanrong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, "Good, good. As long as she goes to pray, if anyone dares to make her become a nun, I might have to dismantle those temples and nunneries."
After a detailed discussion between the mother and daughter in the room, Madam Xiao learned that her daughter hadn't suffered much harm, and her heart finally settled.
Miss Xiao praised Lin Wanrong generously, calling him a calm and wise old child, a clever and brave servant. Lin Wanrong, listening to her praises, even felt a bit elated, realizing that he had many qualities that hadn't been fully explored. The young lady had a discerning eye and could recognize his worth.
After a hearty meal in the hall to comfort Miss Xiao, Lin Wanrong, the newly promoted senior servant of the Xiao family, became even more popular and influential. Even the housekeeper couldn't help but sigh, thinking, "This kid's current momentum has far surpassed mine back in the day."
Returning to his small courtyard, slightly intoxicated, Lin Wanrong habitually glanced inside but didn't see the familiar figure. It then dawned on him that Xiao Qingxuan had already left.
Feeling a bit lost, he thought of the nightly conversations with Xiao Qingxuan, which had become a habit. Suddenly not having them felt somewhat uncomfortable.
He took the jade pendant hanging around his neck, a gift from Xiao Qingxuan, and marveled at its extraordinary craftsmanship. He thought, "This girl really knows how to choose gifts. Although she's now my wife, she hasn't told me where her family lives. I'll have to give her a spanking next time I see her."
As he pondered, he remembered Qin Xian'er. Qin Xian'er and Xiao Qingxuan were rivals during their time at Miao Yu Fang. They got along well as Lin Wanrong went there every day to compose poetry. If he changed his approach a bit, it might work out.
Having not slept well for the past few days, he lay down in bed and immediately felt exhausted. Before long, he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, he woke up early and went to the perfume workshop. This was the most crucial reason for his recent misfortune, as it was the lifeline of his business that couldn't be neglected.
Old Master Fu and Old Master Chang were already there. These two old men had deep affection for the workshop. Being able to contribute to the Xiao family's business at their age was undoubtedly a great source of joy for them.
During the days Lin Wanrong was captured, the production at the perfume workshop came to a temporary halt. On one hand, it was due to Lin Wanrong's absence, and on the other, the approaching winter caused a tense supply of flowers. This problem couldn't be resolved for a while, so production was limited to five hundred bottles per month.
Lin Wanrong's main focus today was not on this matter. He had been thinking about that little girl, Yusuang, and was unsure of the location of Qixia Temple. Indifferent to Buddhism and Taoism, he naturally had no interest in temples. If anything, he had a slight inclination toward nunneries.
After learning the location of Qixia Temple from the housekeeper, he found a carriage and headed there. Now that he held a certain position in the Xiao family, it wouldn't do to lose face by not using a carriage when going out. Xiao Feng could simply note the carriage expenses in the household budget. It was like an official trip, with expenses covered—this strategy was one Lin Wanrong was well-versed in.
Qixia Temple was situated east of Jinling, with a long history and a thriving incense culture, boasting a considerable reputation.
Wandering inside, Lin Wanrong had originally thought of burning some incense in good spirits. However, after inquiring, he was shocked to find out that one incense stick cost one tael of silver, and interpreting a fortune would set him back two taels. This startled him. Did they think he was a cash cow? The landlord's family also didn't have surplus grains!
He stopped a young novice monk and asked, "Esteemed young monk, may I inquire if there are any female benefactors—"
"Om Mani Padme Hum— " The young monk quickly chanted a Buddhist mantra, saying, "This is a pure place of Buddhism. How could there be such vulgar matters? If the benefactor has such thoughts, please go to the banks of the Qinhuai River."
Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned but soon understood. This little monk mistook him for a customer seeking illicit services. What kind of gaze was that? Who came to a temple to buy those services? Going to a nunnery would be more appropriate.
Without showing any emotion, he handed a half-tael of silver to the young monk and asked, "Esteemed young monk, may I inquire about a female benefactor—"
The young monk's expression changed immediately. Smiling, he said, "Certainly, certainly. Don't mention one; there are even ten. Go from here, and you'll find Junzailai Inn ahead. Impeccable service awaits, ensuring the benefactor leaves satisfied."
Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. He hurriedly said, "Esteemed young monk, I just wanted to know which room Miss Xiao is using for fasting and worshiping. I have no other intentions."
The young monk immediately put on a serious expression, clasped his hands together, and pointed to a room on the periphery, saying, "Miss Xiao is in that room, practicing religious rituals." His change in demeanor was so rapid that Lin Wanrong couldn't help but admire him.
Hurrying to the outside of that room, Lin Wanrong looked through the window and saw a delicate figure kneeling in front of a Buddha niche. Long black hair hung loosely, reaching the shoulders of her slender and frail frame. She was draped in a light gray plain robe, bowing before the Buddha with folded hands, gently praying, "Tathagata Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, please bless Lin San and my sister's safe return. Disciple Xiao Yusuang is willing to exchange her life for their well-being. I beg the two Bodhisattvas to fulfill the disciple's wish." After finishing her prayer, she respectfully kowtowed.
After a few days without seeing her, this little girl seemed to have become even more delicate and evoked even more pity. Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. After she changed her stubborn personality, she truly made him feel sympathetic to the core.
Seeing Xiao Yusuang's devout appearance, a thought flashed in Lin Wanrong's mind. He took out a self-made pencil and a piece of white paper from his pocket, quickly wrote a few words, tied a small stone to it, and threw the note inside.
Xiao Yusuang was immersed in reciting Buddhist scriptures when she heard a slight noise. A small note fell by her side. She glanced faintly at it, maintaining a calm expression as if she hadn't seen the note. She turned her head and closed her eyes to continue chanting.
Lin Wanrong, feeling both angry and moved, thought, "This girl is truly devout. Besides praying for blessings, it seems like nothing else matters to her." He picked up another small stone, tossed it in, and accurately hit the edge of the previous note.
Xiao Yusuang felt a slight irritation. She had come here to fast and pray sincerely, and someone kept disturbing her
mental state. If she offended the Bodhisattvas because of this, how could she face it?
She confessed her fault to the Bodhisattvas, stood up slowly, and looked around strangely. Not seeing any movement, she noticed the note lying on the ground. Hidden inscriptions were visible. She picked it up and read it aloud, "Colors change with the distant mountain, the river's sound reaches the far sea. Returning to the imperial homeland tomorrow, I still dream of fishing and woodcutting."
"Lin San—" Xiao Yusuang was suddenly startled, her face showing a mix of confusion and joy. Tears of happiness flowed down, and she turned around in the room, shouting with a teary voice, "Lin San, have you returned? Where are you? You scoundrel, come out quickly!"
After shouting several times without a response, she wondered if her sincere devotion had played tricks on her eyes. Tears streamed down again as she picked up the note to read it once more. Below, there were a few small words: "Outside Qixia Temple, by the Willow Pond. I have a rendezvous with Miss Second. Don't be late!"
The handwriting and style were unique. Who else but Lin San could it be?
It was real! Miss Second cried and laughed. "You scoundrel, talking about not being late when we finally meet. Even if you wanted to leave, you couldn't now."
In a hurry, she closed her eyes, clasped her hands together in front of the Buddha, and said respectfully, "Thank you, Buddha, for showing your divine presence. Disciple will be leaving now."
With joy, she stood up, her tears forming long streaks. With a swift movement, she grabbed her long robe and ran like the wind towards the entrance of the temple.