Hiss...
Xiaocao heard a sharp intake of breath nearby and glanced over to see Zhuzhu staring ahead in shock, her face a picture of disbelief as though witnessing the impossible.
"Zhuzhu."
Hearing her name, Zhuzhu looked up, startled.
Xiaocao pressed her lips into a smile. "This is normal. Nothing to be surprised about. Stay calm." It was a phrase Jiang Huaiyu often used, and now Xiaocao found herself passing it along.
"Madam is... incredible!" Zhuzhu whispered, still awestruck. She had never seen anyone like Jiang Huaiyu, who could remain unfazed by others' judgments, speaking with poise and confidence. With just a few words, Jiang Huaiyu had silenced a group of people who, moments earlier, had been relentless in their ridicule.
Qingxu Temple, usually bustling with quiet murmurs and the shuffle of visitors, had fallen utterly silent.
Who dared speak now?
If they thought they could out-debate Jiang Huaiyu, they would have spoken up already. But her sharp words, coupled with Master Li's reaction, left everyone in stunned acquiescence. As the crowd turned their attention to the woman who had earlier sided with the young Taoist, she flushed with shame. Face red, she raised her sleeve to cover her embarrassment and left hastily, her companions too mortified to follow her.
Jiang Huaiyu found the situation increasingly tedious. "Let's wait for Aunt Xu outside," she said softly, leading Xiaocao and Zhuzhu out.
The women who had previously mocked her exhaled in relief. The tension that hung over the hall dissipated, but the awkwardness lingered.
Master Li, however, wasn't done. He quickly followed Jiang Huaiyu to the temple's entrance, stopping her with a bow. "Madam Jiang, your words today have been enlightening. I owe you a great debt for helping me see more clearly. I promise to repay this kindness someday."
"That won't be necessary," Jiang Huaiyu replied, her tone light but pointed. "Just ensure that your temple doesn't place such undue emphasis on mere pennies in the future. It makes one wonder whether those coins are secretly being turned into porridge and clothes for the refugees."
Her words carried an air of jest, but the sharp edge wasn't lost on Master Li.
"I understand what Madam means," Master Li replied, his initial irritation fading into a thoughtful smile. He bowed again, deeply. To him, Jiang Huaiyu's insights reflected a profound understanding of Taoist philosophy, inspiring him to reevaluate his own practices.
Jiang Huaiyu raised a brow, bemused by the sudden shift in his demeanor. She nodded briefly. "As long as you understand."
What exactly he understood, she neither knew nor cared.
To onlookers, the exchange seemed like a cryptic but profound dialogue.
At that moment, Aunt Xu emerged from the temple. Spotting Jiang Huaiyu, she hurried over. "Madam."
"Mm." Jiang Huaiyu inclined her head slightly. "Huafeng Mountain still has much to explore. Let's find a place to set down the food boxes before we continue."
"If you don't mind, leave them in the temple," Master Li offered with a gracious smile. "We've just received a fresh delivery of mountain delicacies. We can prepare some simple vegetarian dishes as an apology for today's slight."
Aunt Xu blinked in surprise, while Jiang Huaiyu smiled faintly. Accepting the offer, she instructed Xiaocao and Zhuzhu to hand over the food boxes to a young Taoist. "Since you're so kind, we won't decline. We'll continue our walk."
"Shall I send a guide with you?" Master Li asked courteously.
"No need," Jiang Huaiyu replied with a wry smile. "Your young Taoists are quite... outspoken. I'd rather not risk another lecture."
Master Li chuckled, offering no argument as he watched her leave.
The young Taoist, trailing behind Master Li with his head bowed, flushed with humiliation.
Master Li glanced at him coolly. "Tomorrow, you'll accompany the temple priests performing funeral rites. Learn something worthwhile."
The boy scowled but dared not disobey. He muttered under his breath as he trudged away, his resentment evident. "She's just some pretty woman who talks big…"
Master Li's expression darkened briefly before softening into a faint smile. He murmured to himself, "Ultimate emptiness and steadfast stillness. I've studied these words for years, but today, they echo in a way I've never heard before. You judge people by their wealth and power, and that's why you're just a novice while I'm the master."
With a sweep of his robes, embroidered with golden cranes that seemed to take flight, Master Li strode back inside. The watching women gazed after him with reverent awe, believing him to be the very embodiment of celestial grace.
The scenery of Huafeng Mountain was as serene as it was picturesque. Jiang Huaiyu strolled leisurely, her lips curling into a faint smile as Xiaocao and Zhuzhu animatedly recounted the events to Aunt Xu.
Aunt Xu sighed. "Just now, a Taoist tried to sell me a talisman. When I told him we lived in the western part of the city, his attitude changed instantly. He claimed the talisman was two taels per sheet and that magical artifacts needed years of spiritual cultivation. Then he added that even if they had some, we wouldn't be able to afford them!"
Zhuzhu quipped, "It seems Taoists are even worse than monks!"
Jiang Huaiyu's smile faded slightly, and she shook her head. "That's not fair, Zhuzhu."
"Ah?" Zhuzhu blinked in confusion.
"There are surely many sincere Taoists who practice earnestly," Jiang Huaiyu explained. "My words today were directed only at Qingxu Temple. We shouldn't judge all Taoists by their actions. Be careful not to make sweeping generalizations—it's unbecoming."
Zhuzhu nodded sheepishly, and Xiaocao chimed in with a knowing smile, "Madam always teaches us to be cautious with our words. Trouble often starts from the mouth. If you're unsure, it's best to stay silent."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled approvingly at Xiaocao's wisdom. Watching the young woman's growth filled her with pride.
As they wandered a shaded path, the sound of a bubbling brook reached their ears. Ahead, a group of women approached, some elderly, others youthful. Among them, Jiang Huaiyu recognized a familiar face: Li Qingruo. She inwardly sighed, hoping the girl would ignore her.
Unfortunately, Li Qingruo's eyes lit up, and she called out, "Madam Jiang, we've met before. Do you not recognize me?" Her voice was gentle, almost affectionate.
"Oh, it's Miss Li," Jiang Huaiyu replied with a polite smile. "What a coincidence. Are you here to enjoy the scenery?"
"Yes, I came with my mother. Later, we'll be meeting with Master Li at the temple," Li Qingruo said, her smile as graceful as ever.
Another woman joined them—one Jiang Huaiyu vaguely remembered from a previous encounter with Li Qingruo.
"Master Li's teachings are rare treasures. Madam Jiang, if you're acquainted with Miss Li, perhaps you'd like to join us for the meeting? You could listen quietly and observe," the woman suggested sweetly.
"Pfft…"
Zhuzhu, unable to suppress herself, stifled a laugh.
The woman's face darkened as she turned sharply toward Zhuzhu. "How improper! A servant should know her place."
Jiang Huaiyu's expression cooled. "Pardon me, but who are you? Miss Li's sister or her elder? Such authority is quite impressive—issuing corrections to my household like that."
Her pointed remark struck a nerve. Both women stiffened, their faces betraying unease.