Chapter 303: Chapter 112 Dislike_3 Chapter 303: Chapter 112 Dislike_3 Dongfang heard Mr. Zhu say that Tingzheng might pass the scholar examination, which quelled the annoyance in his heart. For Dongfang, being a scholar was merely a starting point, but for Tingzheng, it seemed to be the ultimate goal. Dongfang even doubted whether someone like Tingzheng, akin to a decayed piece of wood, could ever pass the scholar exam? It was highly unlikely.
Seeing Dongfang’s expression, Yueyao added, “Given Tingzheng’s situation, I would be satisfied if he could pass the scholar exam.”
Dongfang, having heard this, lost his patience and said, “Since you insist on having him study under Mr. Zhu, have it your way.” It was well-intended, but since the girl was unappreciative, he might as well not bother teaching that block of wood, which also made things easier for him.
This was also thanks to the information previously provided by Nanny Hao. Yueyao didn’t bring up the Li family at all this time, only mentioning how great the teacher was. Dongfang had an aversion to the Li family, but he bore no ill will toward Mr. Zhu.
After thinking for a moment, Dongfang said, “Then make sure the gift you send is substantial. Don’t let others think we are taking advantage of someone. If you are missing anything, tell your aunt, and let your aunt prepare.”
Yueyao nodded repeatedly, “Okay.” These words were just to be heard; asking Lady Family for that was akin to cutting her own flesh.
Dongfang had nothing else to say to Yueyao and asked her to leave. However, Yueyao then said, “Uncle, Yueyao would like to ask for your approval for something.”
Dongfang did not nod but simply looked at Yueyao.
Yueyao said, “Uncle, I would like to go to the temple to pray for my grandmother.”
When Dongfang heard Yueyao say she wanted to go to the temple for Old Madam to observe a hundred days of fasting and prayers, he was somewhat moved. Still, he hesitated, “The days in the mountain are very austere. Can you endure it?”
Yueyao nodded and answered, “For my grandmother, I am not afraid of hardships; besides, life in the mountains may not be as harsh as the rumors suggest.” She had spent ten years in the nunnery in her previous life and did not feel it burdensome. Life was indeed austere, but her heart had never been more at peace.
Seeing Yueyao’s genuine expression, Dongfang’s face relaxed significantly, and he summoned Madam and informed her of Yueyao’s wish.
Lady Family’s expression changed slightly upon hearing Yueyao wanted to go to the mountains. Instinctively wary of Yueyao, the mansion had rumors of her extravagance and thoughtlessness; now, she suddenly volunteered to go to the mountains to pray and fast, which could make people think the earlier rumors were just slander. Her calculations in this maid’s mind were indeed meticulous!
With a kind expression, Lady Family said, “Yueyao, winter is coming soon, and it gets very cold in the mountains. Everyone knows your consideration for Old Madam, but if you truly wish to go, it wouldn’t be too late to go next year.” By then, the rumors would have dispersed, and Lady Family would be only too happy if Yueyao intended to stay in the temple to meditate, perhaps never to return.
Yueyao, not wasting further words, said, “Uncle, aunt, I am determined; please grant Yueyao this act of filial piety.” Yueyao was well aware that Dongfang was known publicly as a devoted son, whether true or not, and she was certain Dongfang would agree to her going to the temple to pray.
After a moment, Dongfang nodded and replied, “Since you have such filial piety, of course, I won’t stop you.”
Though Lady Family was the authority in the inner courtyard, it all depended on Dongfang not intervening. In this era, men were supposed to manage outside affairs while women handled the household. Normally, they wouldn’t interfere with internal affairs, but once they spoke, the matter was settled. Seeing her husband now speaking up, Lady Family knew it was unstoppable and smiled, “Dear, we’ve always offered incense at Hualin Temple, so let’s choose Hualin Temple. I’ll have someone go and inform the abbot to prepare a small residence for Yueyao to stay in.” Lady Family felt sending Yueyao to Hualin Temple was a good idea, as Master Pu An there could recite a few more scriptures for her, perhaps to bring her back to her senses; not as sharp-tongued and disrespectful as she was now.
Yueyao shook her head, “Uncle, I want to go to Zhaohua Temple. The high monks in Zhaohua Temple are all highly reputable; it’s the best place to go.”
Dongfang looked at Yueyao in disbelief. How could he not know that Zhaohua Temple was the best temple in the Capital City? Zhaohua Temple was an Imperial Temple, filled with eminent monks and frequented by nobility. Staying there was very difficult. Dongfang, shaking his head, said, “Third Girl, although Zhaohua Temple does have accommodations, they are reserved for nobility; we cannot rent them.” Even if they could rent, the cost was exorbitantly high.
Lady Family thought that since Yueyao had brought it up, she must have been prepared, recalling how Yueyao had been in frequent contact with the Ma Family; perhaps the girl had already communicated with them.