Chapter 25 Nemesis; Meeting Ning Ziyan Again (1/2)

”Yes, Young Master Xia has been occupying his usual residence. He used to come here every now and then to offer incense. Every month, he would spend three nights here,” the young novice monk immediately answered. Evidently, he was very familiar with Xia Yuhang.

As expected, Xia Yuhang's habits remained unchanging. On the same few days every month, he would spend a few days in the Cold Mountain Temple. Others might not understand why, yet Ning Xueyan was well aware of the reason.

”I see. Is he not returning to his manor today as well?” Ning Xueyan looked away and continued walking behind the young novice monk. If Xia Yuhang doesn't show up when his wife returns to her bridal home three days after their wedding, Ning Ziyan wouldn't be the only one would be humiliated.

”You guessed correctly, Fifth Young Lady. I heard servants from the Minister's Manor came early this morning to persuade Young Master Xia to go home. Our Master Uncle, the one who greeted you earlier, even told us to keep the courtyard as it is because Young Master Xia will be returning. He only left today to deal with some business,” the young novice monk said.

The three of them had a casual chat until they reached their destination, a courtyard that the Cold Mountain Temple prepared for the ladies.

This courtyard wasn't the same courtyard that Ning Ziying occupied in her previous life, which was closer to the male quarters. After all, Ning Ziying was a guest at the Lord Protector's Manor back then. Even though she was engaged, she was nonetheless not allowed to meet her groom. Thus, Xia Yuhang would secretly meet her under the guise of visiting the Cold Mountain Temple.

Thus, Ning Xueyan wasn't a stranger to this temple.

The young novice monk stood at the entrance of the courtyard and pointed to a spot at the rear mountain. Smiling at Ning Xueyan, he said, ”Fifth Young Lady, the chrysanthemums at our temple are blooming beautifully at the moment. Please take a look at them if you're keen. They're just right there!”

”The chrysanthemums are blooming?” Ning Xueyan asked, stunned. Something flickered in her mind but it vanished so quickly that she didn't quite grasp what it was.

”Yes. The chrysanthemums at our temple are famed worldwide. Some cherished varities of the flower can be found here. I heard there are a few types that have gone extinct out there. Many famed individuals and elegant scholars would come here for flower-viewing. Even an imperial consort was full of praises when she came last year.”

”Oh, are you referring to Noble Consort Ya? Is she coming again this year?” A thought flickered across her mind.

Noble Consort Ya was the Third Imperial Prince's biological mother and the Emperor's favored consort. She originated from the Qingliu Clan and rumor had it that she liked tending to her flowers and plants in the palace. She was known to be a lover of flowers. Ning Xueyan finally recalled that the chrysanthemums at the Cold Mountain Temple were indeed famous. Two years ago, Noble Consort Ya sung praises about the flowers when she deliberately visited this place.

”I don't know if the imperial consort will be coming but our Uncle Master has ordered us to prepare for her arrival. He said that even though there's no news yet, she might come here when she feels like it.” The young novice monk placed his palms together with an earnest expression. He looked rather amiable.

”Please inform me if the imperial consort comes. I have never met any imperial consort and would like to gain a new experience,” Ning Xueyan said softly.

”Very well. I will surely keep that in mind.” The young novice monk then excused himself.

The courtyard was small but clean, with only one main house and two side rooms. After all, its intended purpose was to accommodate a master bringing two or three servants. Ning Xueyan took a seat inside the house while Qingyu ran off to fetch tea. She only began to fully recover her senses after sipping the tea that emanated a faint but refreshing fragrance.

The carriage was simply too small and the journey was so bumpy that it gave her a headache. Holding her dizzy head, Ning Xueyan felt some of her memories returning to her. That year, she was only seven or eight years old when she spotted a lavishly-dressed older female servant entering the courtyard. She remembered how the servant had dressed even more extravagantly than those serving Madam Ling.

Madam Ming had sent everyone away but the mischievous Ning Xueyan hid under the bed and watched the servant salute Madam Ming deferentially. It was obvious from the servant's eyes that she greatly respected Madam Ming. Ning Xueyan didn't dare to get any closer, so she only faintly heard them mentioning Noble Consort Ya's name. It seemed that Noble Consort Ya had sent over some presents. During the conversation, they also mentioned someone else.

That person was Noble Consort Ya's servant intended to be a gift for Madam Ming. However, the latter rejected the offer. That person kowtowed to Madam Ming before leaving with Noble Consort Ya.

Ning Xueyan had never paid that person any mind but her interest was now piqued. Since that person was Noble Consort Ya's confidante, then she would surely tag along when the consort leaves the palace. That person must share a deep relationship with Madam Ming. If Ning Xueyan could persuade that person to be her chess piece, it would be akin to having heaven give her a helping hand...

The chrysanthemums at the Cold Mountain Temple were indeed a sight to behold. The temple was known for its complete collection of chrysanthemums. Now was just the right time to enjoy the flowers. The guests who came to the temple had all gone flower-viewing in the rear mountain. Ning Xueyan spent her morning listening to the head abbot reciting scriptures and took Qingyu and Lanning to the rear mountain after they had lunch.