Now that they had decided to go to Qingcheng Mountain, Fu Zhen sent someone to inform Mrs. Bai of their plan. Mrs. Bai readily agreed.
On the day of departure, Fu Zhen sat beside Mrs. Bai in the carriage as usual. Chen Tingfeng rode his horse slowly alongside the carriage.
This scene was so familiar. It was also winter the first time they came to Qingcheng Mountain, with the same people and horses. However, the relationship between her and Chen Tingfeng had changed dramatically.
Today, the senior maid beside Mrs. Bai had eaten something bad and was replaced by Yuanyang. She walked with her head down behind Nanny Li, looking like a very obedient girl. Even Nanny Li, with her strict personality, couldn't find fault with her.
Aunt Su's carriage was more modest than Mrs. Bai's. But being a member of the Marquis's Mansion, one could imagine it wasn't shabby.
She lifted the curtain and peeked outside. As if feeling stuffy, she let out a slow breath.
Qiner smiled softly. "Auntie, are you missing Third Miss?"
Aunt Su blushed slightly. Her eyes were heavy yet full of anticipation. "I haven't seen Bing'er for a long time. I wonder how she's doing..."
Then, she couldn't help but look sad. "But Bing'er always refuses to see me. What if she doesn't see me this time..."
"Don't worry," Qiner comforted gently. "Although Second Miss doesn't see you every time, she always accepts the gifts you send. It shows she still cares about you. Besides, Second Miss is a Taoist. It's natural for her to be aloof. She avoids seeing you for the sake of her spiritual practice. You shouldn't think too much."
Aunt Su sighed softly. "I sent her to Baiyun Temple to ensure her well - being. I never thought she wouldn't be able to return home..."
She always looked so faintly sad. In the mansion, she was silent, like a clay doll. She buried all her feelings deep in her heart and never spoke them out.
Qiner moved her lips but didn't know what to say.
Out of the corner of her eye, she suddenly saw a figure. Up ahead, Yuanyang had somehow sprained her ankle. Nanny Li stopped and was scolding her.
The carriage continued to move forward. Yuanyang's incident wasn't worth making the main carriage stop even for a moment.
But Aunt Su's gaze involuntarily fell on Yuanyang.
She remembered. This was the maid she had met in the garden on a snowy day.
"Qiner, go and see what's going on," she said softly.
"Okay," Qiner replied and quickly went up to apologize to Nanny Li.
Nanny Li was scolding Yuanyang. "It's just a small pebble. Can't you watch where you're going? How could you sprain your ankle! Now we're in the middle of the road. What do you think we should do?"
Yuanyang looked on the verge of tears. Her voice was tiny as she quickly apologized. "It's my fault, Nanny. Don't be angry..."
She was clumsy with words and could only say the same few things.
Nanny Li was frustrated. "Just talk. What's with that look?"
She was a strong - willed person and rarely cried. So, she was annoyed by Yuanyang's tendency to cry at the slightest provocation, looking as pitiful as a kitten.
On this wide road, the people in front had already kicked the pebble to the side, but she still managed to step on it. Now they were in the middle of the journey, and no one would take her back!
Just then, Qiner came over. She was a bit scared of Nanny Li but still summoned the courage to ask. "Nanny Li, don't be angry. Is there any trouble? Auntie sent me to check."
Although Aunt Su was a concubine, she was still half a mistress in the Marquis's Mansion. Nanny Li suppressed her anger and just said coldly. "This maid sprained her ankle. Now she can't walk in the middle of the road. What do you think we should do?"
It wasn't impossible to send Yuanyang back, but Yuanyang's sudden mishap really annoyed Nanny Li.
Logically, if the senior maid hadn't fallen ill, this task would never have fallen to Yuanyang. That maid had strongly recommended Yuanyang, saying she was honest and obedient, so Nanny Li had agreed.
Who would have thought that such an honest and obedient person would make such a big mistake right after they set off!
Aunt Su's carriage pulled up beside them. Aunt Su lifted the curtain and glanced down, then said softly to Nanny Li. "Nanny, don't be angry. If the maids are stupid, we can teach them. Now the most important thing is to visit Third Miss."
Yuanyang looked up at her with tear - filled eyes.
Aunt Su pursed her lips. "Let this maid get in my carriage. We're almost out of the city anyway."
Nanny Li moved her lips, originally wanting to say that they should just send the maid back. But then Aunt Su lowered the curtain, as if she didn't want to watch this farce anymore.
Nanny Li took a deep breath and had to hold back her annoyance.
She gave Yuanyang a cold look. "Since Aunt Su has said so, that's how it will be. Why don't you thank Aunt Su?"
Yuanyang quickly thanked her twice. Her voice was still a bit choked.
Qiner helped her up and led her into the carriage.
Seeing this, Nanny Li didn't say anything more. She quickened her pace and caught up with the carriage in front in no time.
Inside the carriage.
Aunt Su glanced at Yuanyang. She still looked calm. "Miss Yuanyang seems to have been waiting for me on purpose."
Otherwise, why did she sprain her ankle just when she lifted the curtain?
Yuanyang timidly looked up at her. "What is Auntie talking about? I don't understand."
Aunt Su suddenly smiled. She didn't say whether she believed her or not and then remained silent.
The carriage swayed out of the city and slowly stopped at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain.
It hadn't snowed in the past few days, and the steps were dry. Only faint wet marks could be seen, which didn't affect people's walking.
Fu Zhen climbed out of the carriage and was about to get off when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a large, well - defined hand reaching out to her.
Chen Tingfeng was looking at her leisurely.
Mrs. Bai turned around and saw this scene. She let out a "tsk" sound as if she had been offended and walked away.
Fu Zhen gave him a sidelong glance but still took his hand and got off the carriage.
Behind them, Aunt Su saw their actions and slightly lowered her head, covering the fleeting meaning in her eyes.
The Baiyun Temple wasn't very crowded with pilgrims. Today, the old Taoist happened to be in the temple. He led everyone to offer incense and then divined for Mrs. Bai. The result was extremely auspicious. Then he smiled and said. "As the old year turns into a new one, Madam's fortune is as good as ever."
Everyone loves to hear good omens. Even a well - traveled woman like Mrs. Bai couldn't help but smile.
This old Taoist was truly talented. His divinations were quite accurate, so Mrs. Bai didn't doubt him. Instead, she cheerfully asked. "Is Luobing free today?"
The old Taoist stroked his beard and smiled. "It's quite a coincidence. Luobing is free today. I'll lead Madam there now."
Mrs. Bai's smile deepened, but she still remained calm. "Thank you, Taoist Priest."
Behind her, Aunt Su slowly widened her eyes, showing an overjoyed expression. But due to the presence of others, she had to suppress it. Only her dull eyes suddenly lit up.