Chapter 130: Coercion (Second Update)

Huo Yunhao was likely surprised to encounter her here, and she couldn't help but pause for a moment.

Given the history between their two families, running into each other—while not exactly a "narrow escape on a thin path"—was certainly not a pleasant affair. A fleeting expression of awkwardness crossed Huo Yunhao's face. Since she was already on her way out of the room, retreating would have seemed deliberate, so she proceeded. Not wanting to pretend she hadn't seen Wu Tan, she offered a stiff, slight nod as a greeting.

Wu Tan was far more at ease. She smiled brightly, and Huo Yunhao promptly left with her maid, Nanzhi.

Cheng Cheng found it strange and stared at the backs of the mistress and maid. "Isn't that the Second Young Lady of Grand Tutor Huo’s family? Why is she here?"

Wu Tan teased with a smile, "Is the Xiangguo Temple owned by your family?"

She didn't have a good impression of the Huo family as a whole, but she held no particular malice toward Huo Yunhao—though, of course, they were hardly on friendly terms.

As they spoke, the young novice monk who had guided them to the courtyard emerged. Seeing the mistress and maid staring and gossiping about the Huo young lady, he kindly explained, "That Miss Huo has been on the mountain for a few days. She said she came to pray for the well-being of the mistress of her household and intends to stay a while longer."

It was no secret that Huo Wenshan’s first wife was a sickly woman; everyone knew that.

Wu Tan didn't give it much thought and said, "Thank you. I can tidy up here myself. However, as it is nearly noon, I must trouble you to have the kitchen prepare a vegetarian meal for us."

Before she could finish, Cheng Cheng pulled out a purse and handed it over. "This is for our meals for the next two days. Others can eat the communal food in the temple, but please ask the cooks to take care and prepare separate meals for the Old Madam and the young lady, as the Old Madam must avoid greasy food."

"Amitabha!" The young monk took the silver, recited a Buddhist chant, and left.

It was an unwritten rule that families of high officials from the capital, accustomed to refinement in food and clothing, would pay the temple to supplement their provisions, as the temple's standard offerings were insufficient. Everyone was used to this.

Although the small courtyard was clean and tidy, it couldn't compare to the grandeur of home. Wu Tan insisted that the main room be left for the Old Madam, while she herself took the right side room, which had good natural light. Having walked all the way up the mountain, she was indeed exhausted, so she took advantage of the quiet to nap, not waking until the afternoon.

Cheng Cheng helped her up and washed her face. Wu Tan asked, "Has Grandmother returned?"

Cheng Cheng replied, "The Old Madam sent word that she had lunch with Old Madam Chen and asked you not to wait for her. At this hour... she should be listening to the Abbot's lecture on sutras. I saw that you were exhausted, so I didn't wake you. The food had grown cold; please wait a moment, and I will take it to the kitchen for the cooks to reheat."

After her nap, Wu Tan was indeed hungry. She had no interest in listening to the old monk chant, and finding the prospect of being cooped up in the room boring, she said, "I have nothing better to do. I'll go with you. It's been a long time since I left the capital, and I'm bored to death."

The truth was, she had been harassed by Xiao Yue in the capital recently, leaving her nerves frayed. Now that she had finally found a place to avoid him, she would take every opportunity to relax.

"All right!" Cheng Cheng had no objections. She gathered the four small dishes of vegetarian food onto a tray, and the two set off.

Wu Tan had been raised by the Old Madam since childhood and had visited this temple many times, so she was familiar with the layout. They made their way to the kitchen, which was located in a courtyard at the very back of the temple complex, tucked into the right corner.

The monks' dining hall was adjacent to it, but there was a separate small courtyard where specialized monks prepared meals for pilgrims. When they arrived, it was technically past mealtime, but the small kitchen was still bustling.

A young monk who recognized Wu Tan ran over, scratching his head. "Little Benefactor, you are here to accompany the Old Madam in worship again!"

"Yes!" Wu Tan smiled brightly and glanced at the frantic activity inside the kitchen. "Why is it so busy? I was occupied earlier and missed lunch. I was hoping to ask the masters to heat something up for me."

The young monk said apologetically, "It is bad timing. The temple is hosting two major religious services today, and there are many visitors on the mountain. Give the items to me; there is a steamer in the back, and I will heat them up for you."

"That would be great!" Wu Tan was not one to be overly fussy while traveling, so she signaled for Cheng Cheng to hand over the tray. "I'll stroll around nearby. I won't go far. Just call me when it's ready."

"Very well!" the young monk agreed readily.

Unable to stand the smell of oil in the kitchen, Wu Tan led Cheng Cheng outside.

The kitchen courtyard had a gate leading to the back mountain, which remained open during the day. The temple owned the farmland below the mountain and cultivated vast vegetable patches. A small path from the back mountain led up to the temple, allowing them to harvest the freshest vegetables daily.

Just as Wu Tan finished speaking with the monk and stepped out of the courtyard gate, she saw a figure darting quickly out of the outer gate toward the back. At first, it seemed insignificant, but the attire was not that of a monk; it looked like a maidservant from a wealthy household.

At this time of day, why would a maid be sneaking off to the back mountain?

Wu Tan was naturally curious. Seeing the person was alone, her eyes darted, and she whispered to Cheng Cheng, "Come! Let’s go see!"

She lifted her skirt and crept toward the gate, but just as she reached it, she heard voices. She immediately pulled Cheng Cheng into hiding behind the door.

The maid's voice sounded anxious. "It really isn't my fault! You know what kind of person the Second Young Lady is. If she doesn't decide to leave... if I push too hard, she’ll become suspicious."

A man’s voice replied, filled with frustration, "Then you must find a way! Did the Eldest Young Lady give you that silver for nothing? You took the money but didn't do the job? Do you know what the consequences will be?"

The maid sighed. "But... I really can't help it! Either you come in at night and kidnap her, or... since she is here, you could just go back and lie to the Madam that she was kidnapped, couldn't you?"

"What kind of place is Xiangguo Temple? If there’s a scene here, the news will reach the capital in no time!" the man scolded. "Forget it! Do nothing rash for now. Keep watching her, and I will go back and ask for instructions."

"Fine! I understand!" the maid agreed. "If there’s nothing else, I’m going back before others grow suspicious."

***

Hearing this, Wu Tan didn't wait to hear more. She pulled Cheng Cheng and dashed back into the courtyard.

A moment later, the maid peeked around the gate, checked that the courtyard was empty, and slipped inside, hurrying back toward the temple.

Cheng Cheng looked at Wu Tan, surprised, and whispered, "Whose maid is that? What are they plotting?"

Wu Tan pondered for a moment and said, "Stay here. I’m going to follow her." She wasn't one to meddle in others' affairs, but if she didn't get to the bottom of this, it would gnaw at her.

"Young Lady!" Cheng Cheng grabbed her.

Wu Tan pulled her hand away and promised, "Don't worry, I’m just looking. I promise not to interfere! You know what I'm like—I'm no hero seeking justice!"

Cheng Cheng believed this.

Wu Tan was already off, lifting her skirt and darting out.

Cheng Cheng was still worried about her tailing the maid, but fortunately, the food in the steamer heated up quickly. Soon, the young monk brought it out. Cheng Cheng thanked him and trotted back to their quarters, her heart in her throat, fearing that Wu Tan might get into trouble.

When she returned to the courtyard, she found that Wu Tan had already returned and was sitting on the steps in front of the main room, chin in hand, staring blankly outside.

"Young Lady!" Cheng Cheng called out, letting out a sigh of relief. "You’re back! You scared me to death!"

Wu Tan only lifted her eyes to look at her, remaining seated. She seemed unenthusiastic, her expression rather strange.

Cheng Cheng pushed open the door to the side room, set the food on the table, and turned to see her still sitting there. She couldn't help but walk out again. "Young Lady, what's wrong? Eat something. You haven't eaten since this morning—aren't you hungry?"

"Mhm," Wu Tan replied absentmindedly. She winced as if she had a toothache, then slowly stood up, brushing off her skirt.

Cheng Cheng sensed her mood was still off. Suddenly recalling the earlier incident, she whispered, "By the way, you went to tail them, didn't you? Were you discovered? Did you lose them?"

Wu Tan gave a tight, unnatural smile and grimaced, looking conflicted.

Cheng Cheng followed her gaze. The courtyard opposite, where Huo Yunhao was staying, was empty.

It took a moment for Cheng Cheng to grasp the meaning. Her face changed, and she dared not speak aloud, only using her lips to confirm with exaggerated shock: "It’s the Huo family’s?"

Wu Tan shrugged and led her back to the room to eat.

Cheng Cheng closed the door before daring to speak. "What does this mean? Is that Eldest Miss Huo causing trouble again? She’s already getting what she wants—to marry the Crown Prince. Why is she still plotting against her own sister?"

"Who knows!" Wu Tan was truly annoyed just hearing the name Huo Yunhua.

That woman was like some sort of reincarnation of malice; it seemed she couldn't live a day without stirring up trouble or plotting against someone. Didn't she realize that even though her marriage was set, the Empress and the Crown Prince were clearly dissatisfied with her? Was she trying to ruin her marriage prospects entirely?

Cheng Cheng, possessing a curious young girl's heart, couldn't help but speculate: "What is she trying to do? Based on what those two said, do they want to kidnap the Second Young Lady to threaten the Huo Madam?"

That was clearly the implication.

Wu Tan ate slowly, only speaking after swallowing. "They were right about one thing: kidnapping someone in Xiangguo Temple is impractical. If they tried, the temple would report it to the authorities, and the news would reach the Huo household instantly. They are afraid of making a scene and only want to secretly coerce the Madam. Since they have an inside agent near Huo Yunhao, they’ll likely go with the second plan—a false report."

If someone returned to the capital and lied that Huo Yunhao had been kidnapped, the Huo Madam would immediately send men to verify it. By then, the maid would have her story ready, and the deed would be done.

Wu Tan picked up some vegetables and continued eating.

Cheng Cheng thought for a moment. "Should we... warn the Second Young Lady of the Huo family?"

Wu Tan shook her head. "It’s their family’s mess; I’m not getting involved!"

Huo Yunhua was annoying, but she had no friendship with Huo Yunhao either. Why should she meddle in their family affairs?

Cheng Cheng knew she disliked the Huo family and dropped the subject.

After finishing her meal, Wu Tan sent Cheng Cheng to return the tray. Just as she rinsed her mouth and stepped out of the inner room, she heard Cheng Cheng speaking outside: "Old Madam, you're back?"

Wu Tan pushed the door open and saw Nanny Zhou helping the Old Madam stand outside the courtyard. They were actually talking to Huo Yunhao.

"It’s rare for a young girl to have the patience to sit through two hours of sutras. Whose daughter are you?" The Old Madam had just returned from the prayer hall. She had no impression of Huo Yunhao, but having walked back from the front, she noticed the girl living opposite and asked.

She didn't know who Huo Yunhao was, but Huo Yunhao recognized her. Being asked, she wasn't exactly flattered, but she felt awkward. Just as she was about to respond, Wu Tan pushed the door open and stepped out.

"Grandmother!" she walked over with a grin, cutting off Huo Yunhao’s reply. "You don't know her? She is the Second Young Lady of Master Huo Wenshan’s household. Her eldest sister is... the one betrothed to the Crown Prince alongside our Third Sister."

The Old Madam was disgusted to her core by Huo Yunhua. Upon hearing this, her expression darkened instantly.

Huo Yunhao felt the awkwardness, but she still curtsied politely. "Greetings, Old Madam Wu!"

"Hmm," the Old Madam replied perfunctorily, having no desire to say more. She turned to Wu Tan, "I am tired; I am going in to rest."

"All right!" Wu Tan agreed.

The Old Madam went straight into the courtyard. Huo Yunhao also wanted to leave, but before she could, Wu Tan smiled and spoke again: "Miss Huo, have you been staying in this temple for many days?"

Since Wu Tan was smiling, Huo Yunhao couldn't ignore her. She forced a polite expression and said, "Yes, for two days."

The response was dismissive, but Wu Tan persisted. "You should head back early if there's nothing else. I heard your mother’s health isn't great. As her daughter, if you aren't by her side, do you expect your eldest sister to do it?"

This sounded quite overbearing. Before Huo Yunhao could react, Nanzhi was already indignant: "You..."

She wanted to snap back, but Huo Yunhao stopped her. She knew Wu Tan disliked her and was merely being sarcastic. Since she had no personal grudge against Wu Tan, she didn't want to create more trouble, so she just let it be. "Thank you for your concern, Second Miss Wu."

She turned to leave, but Wu Tan spoke again: "There’s no time like the present. Why don't you head back today?"

What was wrong with this Wu young lady? Even if her own mistress had offended her, she should go after the Eldest Young Lady instead of picking on her mistress. Nanzhi was furious. Even knowing Huo Yunhao hated trouble, she couldn't help but retort: "Xiangguo Temple is not the Wu family's private property. Doesn't Second Miss Wu find this behavior a bit overbearing?"

Wu Tan remained smiling. Ignoring her, she looked at Huo Yunhao. "I just think your mistress probably feels uncomfortable seeing me. Since we don't like each other, why bother, right?"

"You..." Nanzhi wanted to continue, but Huo Yunhao interrupted sternly: "No insolence!"

Huo Yunhao had initially thought Wu Tan was just looking for a fight, but she had seen how Wu Tan handled Huo Yunhua—it was always direct. This was different; it was filled with hidden barbs. Moreover, if she were just looking for trouble, she had already done so; why not just walk away? Instead, Wu Tan seemed determined to stand her ground.

Huo Yunhao vaguely sensed something was wrong, so she tried to comply: "Since Second Miss Wu doesn't wish to see me, I shall take my leave."

"Young Lady!" Nanzhi felt her mistress was being far too cowardly.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Wu Tan was immediately satisfied. "Great!"

She turned and happily returned to her courtyard.

"Young Lady! She is bullying you! It was the Eldest Young Lady who offended her; why is she taking it out on you?" Nanzhi stomped her foot in anger.

Huo Yunhao stared at Wu Tan's back, her gaze darkening in thought. "Tell them to pack our things. If we don't leave now, it will be dark."

"Young Lady!" Nanzhi was furious, but knowing her mistress’s temperament, she knew she couldn't persuade her otherwise and gave the order.

The Huo family's group consisted only of them, their maid, and a rough-task maid—the one Wu Tan had seen earlier. Nanzhi called for that maid to fetch their other servants to help move their belongings.

Huo Yunhao thought for a moment, then, instead of returning to her room, she entered Wu Tan’s courtyard and knocked on her door.

Wu Tan was sitting at the table, idly playing with a cup. She didn't seem surprised at all.

Huo Yunhao frowned as she walked in. "What are you trying to do?"

Wu Tan sat up straight, still wearing her carefree, smiling expression. "Let me give you a suggestion. You have a maid in your courtyard, don't you? Once your luggage is packed, bind her, stuff her into the carriage, and send her down the mountain first. You can borrow my carriage and follow behind—there will be a surprise!"

Huo Yunhao’s heart skipped a beat. Her reaction was lightning-fast; she immediately realized what was happening and hastily turned to look toward her own courtyard.

Although she couldn't see anything through the closed door, she instantly understood what Wu Tan was implying! Regardless of how Wu Tan knew or what she knew, this pointed remark was enough to make one’s blood run cold.

"What exactly do you know?" Huo Yunhao asked, holding her breath.

Wu Tan smiled but refused to say more. "I’ve said my piece. Whether you go or how you go is up to you."

With that, she stood up and walked toward the inner room, signaling that the guest should leave.

Seeing this, Huo Yunhao couldn't force an answer. Fearing the maid might return and notice her presence, she turned and left. Because she was preoccupied, she walked quickly and collided with a young monk entering the courtyard to deliver supplies.

"I am sorry! I am sorry, Benefactor!" The monk had been carrying lamp oil, and the collision caused it to spill all over her.

"It’s fine. I’ll change my clothes later," Huo Yunhao said. She truly had no heart to care about such trivialities now.

Cheng Cheng heard the commotion and hurried out.

The young monk apologized profusely: "I am so sorry, Benefactor. I came to refill your lamp oil. I... I will go get more."

"Take your time, we are in no rush!" Cheng Cheng saw it was just spilled oil and didn't think much of it.

The monk apologized again and left with the empty bowl.

These Zen rooms were not occupied daily, so the temple would send people to replenish daily necessities once guests arrived. It was just spilled oil, and no one thought twice about it. Huo Yunhao, feeling flustered, shook her soiled dress. A gust of spring wind blew, spreading the scent of the oil. It was pungent, and she instinctively raised her hand to shield her nose, inadvertently bringing the stained sleeve close to her face. The smell became even sharper and more intense.

Huo Yunhao sniffed it carefully, and her expression suddenly changed.

Cheng Cheng was about to close the door and return to her room when she saw Huo Yunhao turn and rush back, pressing her hand against the door gap: "This lamp oil is problematic!"