Ma Wenyuan looked at his great-uncle, who had redness around his eyes, and slightly lowered his gaze.
The Ma Family, from top to bottom, had over a thousand members spanning several generations, yet now only he remained. Even with his vast knowledge of literature and his understanding of both astronomy and geography, he didn’t dare to venture out carelessly for fear of being recognized as the lone survivor of the Ma Family.
And invite fatal trouble upon himself.
Therefore, he had been hiding in this small mountain village, but now he thought, rather than being trapped without recourse, it would be better to accomplish something significant, to become formidable enough that others would fear to harm him.
And possibly avenge the extermination of his entire family.
However, the one who had annihilated the Ma Family was the current emperor himself. With his individual power, how could it be easy...
"It’s time I got married!"
Upon hearing this, the great-uncle’s tears began to flow.
"Young master, this old servant will arrange it right away. I will definitely find you a bride as beautiful as flowers and jade!"
Ma Wenyuan smiled, "She doesn’t have to be as beautiful as flowers and jade, but she must be exceptionally intelligent and both brave and careful!"
Only such a woman could remain fearless in the face of danger.
Such women existed, but they were not easy to find!
The great-uncle smiled, "Rest assured, young master, I will inquire diligently and make sure to please you!"
Ma Wenyuan smiled without a word.
The rain drizzled, sometimes heavy, sometimes light.
Fortunately, Huguo Temple was growing ever closer, yet Yun Jinnian felt a hint of trepidation as she neared her home.
She wondered if her mother was doing well at Huguo Temple.
Because of the rain, the carriage stopped at the foot of the mountain, and Yun Jinnian had to go up on a sedan chair.
Unexpectedly, Abbot Wuxin was waiting at the gate in person.
"Abbot Wuxin!" Yun Jinnian called softly, smiling.
Abbot Wuxin looked at Yun Jinnian, his smile also emerged, full of tolerance and kindness, warm and gracious, "Fourth Miss!"
Then, he added, "Amitabha, I should be addressing you as Benefactor Yun!"
Yun Jinnian covered her lips with a light chuckle, "Abbot, you don’t have to be so formal with me, it feels rather unnatural!"
"Alright, alright, no need for pretense. Fourth Miss, please!"
Upon entering Huguo Temple and walking along the cloister, they headed directly to the meditation hall where Yun Jinnian was staying in the back mountain.
This place was serene and elegant.
"Abbot, my mother..." Yun Jinnian hesitated.
"Your esteemed father stayed for three days, and then left with the maid. As for where they went, I really do not know!"
Hearing this, Yun Jinnian pursed her lips.
And remained silent for a long time.
Seeing her distress, Abbot Wuxin hurriedly said, "However, there is an old acquaintance of yours in the temple!"
Thinking it was Zhou Yunshen, Yun Jinnian replied indifferently, "I don’t want to see him!"
"What, did you have a quarrel? He has been asking about you every day. He couldn’t even swallow his medicine while unconscious. It was only when I told him that you would visit once he was better that he reluctantly agreed to take his medicine," Abbot Wuxin said, surprised.
Yun Jinnian also sensed something amiss, "Who is it?"
"Why not follow me and see for yourself?" suggested Abbot Wuxin.
The meditation hall was tended by others, so Hemei and Henuan stayed behind to sort out the bedding.
As for her mother who had left, Yun Jinnian suddenly realized that she didn’t miss her as much as she thought.
A clutching, uncomfortable pain!
"How was your trip to Nanjiang?" Abbot Wuxin inquired.
"I got quite a few good things. I even brought some for you. I was planning to give them to you earlier, but you mentioned I had a guest, and I forgot!"
"No harm done, ’What is destined will reach you even if it be beneath two mountains; what is not destined will not reach you even if it be between your two lips.’ Since you mentioned you have something for me, it must be there!"
Seeing Abbot Wuxin react , Yun Jinnian genuinely laughed, "Abbot, since when did your eloquence become so impressive?"
"Ha ha ha!" Abbot Wuxin laughed heartily, "Secret, secret!"