Chapter 003: A Reunion at the Mountain Temple

Dan Fei chuckled, "How many books have you read again? Your handwriting still looks like it was scratched by a cat."

Danfei was unable to avoid it and collided with him with a bang. Both of them screamed in agony as they fell into the snow, rolling down the slope for about two zhang, until they were stopped by a plum tree.

Duan Ningjiang, of noble status, is exceptionally beautiful and renowned for her grace. Today, she attracts particular attention as she comes to pay her respects accompanied by two handsome gentlemen. Duan Yiyun is not only handsome but also exudes an impressive demeanor, while the newly arrived Cui Jingyu is particularly eye-catching. The ladies of the household, both the matron and the younger wives, cannot help but steal glances at his fair complexion and elegant bearing. When Cui Jingyu smiles at them, the entire hall is instantly filled with the essence of spring, reminiscent of blooming peach blossoms. The matron and the younger wives, captivated by his beauty and grace, find themselves unable to look away. Even the host cannot help but cough repeatedly to remind them.

Duan Ningjiang's delicate and beautiful face had turned as red as a cooked shrimp. She bit her lip and sat against the car wall, listening to the conversation between Cui Jingyu and her elder brother outside. Duan Yiyun's voice was deep and resonant, while Cui Jingyu's was quite clear and bright. The more she listened, the more delighted she became, her face reddening to the point of almost bleeding

"Silence!" Danfei's expression instantly darkened as she shouted, "If you dare to show even the slightest disrespect to my mother again, I will make you regret it for a lifetime! I mean what I say!"

Dan Fei scoffed, "If it's a pretty boy, then it's most likely him. What a narrow road for enemies!"

Duan Yiyun said: "Let the guards go take a look. It would not be good if wild dogs harmed the common people"

Dan Fei felt dizzy and lightheaded, fortunately there was a cushion beneath her, so it wasn't too painful

"You are still like this," Cui Jingyu said with a smile, "Merchants value profit, politicians value power, beauties value affection, and men value lust. In my view, these are merely manifestations of human nature. Moreover, if there were no merchants traveling back and forth for trade, how could goods from various regions be exchanged? Without merchants, how could you in Qizhou wear this fine silk robe from Shun'an or adorn yourself with the jade from Suoluo?"

Liu Yujin scoffed, "After all, she is a princess of the Tang Dynasty, her father is a prince, and her aunt holds the esteemed title of empress. What need is there for your mere sympathy as the daughter of a minor military officer?"

Ha, have you gone to Chang'an to continue being a lackey for those noble ladies

Dan Fei approached and wrapped the cloak around her, earnestly advising: "On such a cold day, do not sit outside; be careful not to catch a cold, or it will worry Madam Guo when you return"

Dan Fei usually presents a carefree demeanor, cheerful and easygoing. However, now she is filled with rage, her gaze fierce and menacing, exuding a weighty presence far beyond her years, instantly making Wei Jiayin feel diminished, causing all her subsequent words to fade from her mind.

Duan Yiyun said: "What a fine young gentleman you are, how did you fall into the trap of money, always talking about business?"

Liu Yujin said: "Could it be that Fojuhai killed the Little Prince?"

Wei Jiayin had always listened to Duan Ningjiang's words. Seeing her displeased, she changed the subject and said: "I heard something from my grandfather this morning that I was just about to tell you. It is said that the young prince, born to the Princess of Yiguo who married into the Turks for an alliance, fell ill and passed away a few days ago."

Cui Jingyu came to his senses and immediately flicked away the petals, mocking, "The wild dogs of the north are different from those in the Central Plains, with green faces and sharp fangs, fierce and brutal"

Upon hearing the name Duan Ningjiang, Liu Yujin could not help but let out a cold laugh and said: "You have never seen a deity, how would you know what a deity is like? This Duan Ningjiang is accustomed to putting on airs, afraid that others do not know she is the daughter of a general"

Duan Ningjiang exclaimed, "Could it be injured?"

This is precisely the family of Governor Duan going to offer incense at the Qingzheng Temple on Colorful Clouds Mountain

What? Cui Jingyu was extremely angry

Duan Yiyun and his sister were sitting in the temple's side room drinking tea when they were startled to see Cui Jingyu return in a disheveled state

I intended to pick a few branches of plum blossoms for you, but unexpectedly encountered a wild dog on the back mountain said Cui Jingyu coldly

Aphina is in charge of things for my father!" Liu Yujin exclaimed, her face turning red, "Who hasn't seen... umm..."

Those tall and robust Hu people, with high noses and deep-set eyes, dressed in fur coats and wielding curved sabers at their waists, moved back and forth in the bustling marketplace. Perhaps due to the festive occasion, the market was extremely lively, featuring various entertainments such as acrobatics, cockfighting, dog fighting, wrestling, and fencing, among others. Han and Hu people mingled together, coexisting harmoniously, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Duan Yiyun furrowed his brows in thought for a moment, just as he was about to speak, a charming young lady poked her head out from the small door of the ox cart and laughed, saying: "Listening to you all is truly boring! Cousin Jingyu, my brother is just a simpleton, don't hold it against him. I want to ask you, do the ladies in the capital really all love to keep a Kunlun slave?"

On the slope behind the temple, there is a stone wall, and between the stones stands an old plum tree, which is said to be four to five hundred years old. The old plum tree does not have any legends associated with it. It is merely that when the Danfei family first arrived in Shaming, Father Cao once picked a branch of flowers from this plum tree and gave it to his wife. Danfei then thought to pick a branch to take back, to cheer her mother up

"Faster than a rabbit, yet still aware of his own shortcomings." Cui Jingyu gritted his teeth in anger, but seeing that the other party was merely a youth, he felt it inappropriate to truly hold him accountable, and could only consider himself unfortunate

On the vast snowy plains, a convoy is slowly advancing. The guards are well-trained, and the horses are strong. In the middle of the procession, there is a beautifully crafted ox cart, with a guard holding a staff, and a large character "Duan" written in red on the banner.

"What kind of reputation do they have?" Wei Jiayin scoffed, "Who is it that runs around all day in men's clothing, wandering the streets? And they often sneak into the military camp, as if they have never seen a man before"

Duan Yiyun said: "The Liu family conducts business both inside and outside the borders. Without a few formidable bodyguards to protect their goods, how can they safeguard their merchandise? It is often said that a strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake. This is not Chang'an; Jingyu, you should keep a low profile."

Cui Jingyu's expression darkened slightly, "It's nothing serious, not worth mentioning."

Having finished speaking, both men smiled at Duan Ningjiang. Cui Jingyu, with his handsome features and gentle smile, appeared to Duan Ningjiang as if he were enveloped in a layer of pure light

The weather the next day was exceptionally fine, with the sun rising early and warm sunlight illuminating the earth. The accumulated snow both inside and outside the city, as well as on the high mountains, glistened brightly under the sun, while fluffy white clouds floated in the clear sky

Dan Fei scoffed: "A fox fur coat and a pile of gold and jade, as long as one is not born with crooked melons or inferior dates, can still be dressed up to look somewhat attractive. However, what use is it for a man to have good looks? It is likely that he is merely gold and jade on the outside, but rotten cotton on the inside"

Danfei could not help but scoff, "Clearly, I told you to move aside; it is your own sluggish reaction that is to blame"

Dan Feila could not help but sigh upon hearing Liu Yujin's words. Liu Yujin had suffered quite a bit at the hands of Wei Jiayin, so why had she not learned her lesson? She still spoke so naively.

Liu Yujin immediately became interested, "I didn't get a good look at his appearance that day. Just how handsome is he?"

I did not laugh at you, nor should you constantly belittle yourself. Danfei said to her, Each person has their own fate and way of living; those who are content will find lasting happiness

"Are you saying that I lack upbringing?" Wei Jiayin's face turned red with anger

Cui Jingyu changed the subject and said, "This time I brought two managers from the shop with me, leaving them to return in the spring to purchase several carts of high-quality furs for personal use in Beijing"

Wei Jiayin was furious and continued to make a scene. Duan Ningjiang hurriedly pulled her back.

Duan Yiyun said with a smile and a sigh: "Agriculture is the foundation of the nation. I have seen too many farming families abandon their fields to engage in business, resulting in barren lands and failed enterprises, leading them to become impoverished and forced to sell their children to make ends meet. If they could focus on farming, at least their family would live without worry."

Danfei walked slowly on the snow. Occasionally, voices and laughter could be heard from the forest, yet no figures were seen. Danfei, feeling content, continued to walk up the hillside.

Liu Yujin, with red-rimmed eyes, said: "Wei Jiayin's words are not wrong. She went to the capital, where there are plenty of young talents for her to choose from. I, however, can only marry a poor scholar with a plain face in this small place called Shaming. My fourth aunt has always wanted to introduce her nephew from her family to me. That person has buck teeth, has barely read a few books, and his handwriting looks like a dog's paw prints, yet he still dares to call himself a student and show off in front of me.

Upon hearing the sound, the person turned their head and made eye contact with Dan Fei, both of them taken aback in surprise

"What a sharp tongue you have!" Wei Jiayin said with a cold smile, "It seems that the Liu family has truly found you useful. Liu Yujin takes you out, which saves them the trouble of keeping a dog."

She brushed the snow off her body and said, "I see you are not injured, so we shall part ways here. If you later wish to extort money, just come to find me, A Cao, at the Liu residence in Yongle Alley."

The girls finally fell silent

Wei Jiayin retorted, saying: "Next year, my grandfather will accompany General Duan to the capital to report on his duties, and our whole family will follow to Chang'an. You, on the other hand, will have to stay in this place of Shaming for a lifetime, marrying a poor scholar of equal social standing!"

The cold birds in the forest were startled, flapping their wings and flying away in disarray

Wei Jiayin mocked, "What good is it to be better? At the beginning, Empress Wu wanted to marry the princess off, but she couldn't bear to part with her own granddaughter, so she pointed to her instead. She was originally surnamed Wei, the daughter of King Wei Wen of Shangluo. Her aunt is Empress Wei."

"You speak as if you are a ghost," Duan Yiyun teased.

The maid said: "I see that gentleman is dressed in fine silk and adorned with a golden crown, not resembling a servant, but rather a man of status. The eldest son of the Duan family treats him with great respect as well"

His face is as beautiful as jade, and when he smiles, it is as if spring dawn has arrived. Duan Ningjiang's heart races like a startled deer, captivated by the sight.

Duan Ningjiang, embodying the dignified demeanor of a family of nobility, calmly stated: "I have heard that this Princess of Yiguo is a woman of courage and insight. It is said that she is well-educated, possesses good character, is perceptive and understanding, and is generous and charitable; she is a rare and admirable woman."

She climbed up the stone wall, selected the best-blooming plum blossom, broke it off and tucked it into her waist, then swiftly slid down the snow.

"It's nothing, just called out a few times and then ran away." Cui Jingyu waved his hand, suddenly becoming dazed.

The weather is pleasant today, and with the approach of the New Year, people are continuously coming to the temple to offer incense.

Dan Fei covered Liu Yujin's mouth and coldly said to Wei Jiayin: "Madam Wei, be cautious with your words. You are a lady of the official family, yet you speak of peeping and men. I had thought that the daughters of a scholarly family would possess better upbringing."

He extended his slender fingers, pinching a petal, and his nose caught a faint, delicate fragrance

The maid smiled as she pulled out a handkerchief, replaced it with a clean one, and whispered, "Cui Lang is truly handsome. My mother says that after traveling far and wide for so many years, she has never seen a man more distinguished than him. Moreover, he comes from a good family; the Cui family is indeed a prominent clan in Hanzhong, and his grandmother is a grand princess of the Wei state. You and he are also cousins. Why don't you ask the master to arrange for you to become Cui Lang's bride?"

Liu Yujin's complexion finally improved a bit

As soon as the words were spoken, the maid of the Wei family began to giggle beside them

Three years ago, the Khagan of the Turks, Mo Chuo, sent a letter to the Celestial Empire seeking a marriage alliance. Last year, His Majesty ascended the throne and sent his adopted daughter, Princess Yi Guo, over. Princess Yi Guo gave birth to a little prince at the beginning of the year, who has not yet reached one year of age and has unfortunately passed away, which is truly a pity

Duan Ningjiang's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he joyfully exclaimed, "Cousin, you are truly wonderful! I want a beautiful one!"

Merchants drove their oxen and horse-drawn carts back and forth, while people from various ethnic groups outside the borders surged into Shaming County. The streets, running north and south, were bustling with individuals dressed in the attire of different nationalities. Located at the border, Shaming is a significant commercial hub where merchants from the south and north gather, with more than half of the people on the streets being herdsmen from various ethnic groups beyond the frontier.

Move aside! Move aside!" Danfei hurriedly waved her hand

What has happened to cousin?

As soon as these words were spoken, several young girls could not help but frown

The courtyard is filled with the fragrant blossoms of wintersweet, contrasting with the crystalline white snow, bathed in gentle sunlight. This beautiful and tranquil scene seems to herald yet another prosperous year of national peace and stability

Even if one wins an argument, is it truly a significant achievement

Didn’t you say we were going to the night market tonight? It’s getting late, let’s head home and get ready. Duan Ningjiang nodded towards Dan Fei again, Is A Fei also coming out tonight?

Cui Jingyu scoffed disdainfully, casually broke a branch of flowers, and tossed it into the snow.

The two young gentlemen on horseback ahead burst into laughter. Duan Yiyun lightly scolded, "A Jiang, stop fooling around. Where have the manners that Grandma taught you gone?"

The warm breath he exhaled brushed against Danfei's ear, mingling with a fragrance used by affluent families. In a flurry, Danfei scrambled to her feet, inadvertently stepping on his body and legs several times in her panic

"What does it matter to you?" Cui Jingyu said, "Ajiang, don't listen to your brother. The women of the capital are quite free-spirited; they ride horses, play ball, and raise dogs and train hawks, living a very happy life. When you return to Chang'an, your cousin will also give you a Kunlun servant to play with, won't that be good?"

"Moon, help my wife wash her face." Danfei then said to Liu Yujin, "I will go pick a few branches of plum blossoms to bring back for Madam Guo and my mother."

Dan Fei raised her eyes and cast a cold glance, causing Wei Jiayin to shiver involuntarily. Dan Fei then said lightly: "My mother and Madam Guo are relatives; living under someone else's roof, it is not surprising to be the subject of idle gossip. Unlike the young lady, who is in a legitimate position, serving the Duan family diligently."

The maid of the Liu family went around the hall and returned to the chamber, saying: "It turns out that a young lady from the Duan family has come to offer incense, accompanied by the young master of the Duan family and another gentleman. That gentleman is exceptionally handsome, resembling a celestial being. The ladies have never seen such a handsome young man and are gathered around, discussing him animatedly"

Unexpectedly, halfway through, a person suddenly emerged ahead, blocking her path.

Just now, amidst the stumbling and tumbling, most of the flowers were crushed beyond recognition, yet a single miraculous bloom at the tip of a branch remained intact, adorned with fragments of snow, poised to blossom.

Liu Yujin, infuriated, stormed off. Danfei sighed, took the cloak from the maid's hands, and followed her all the way to the plum grove on the back mountain of the temple

"What are you arguing about?" Duan Ningjiang approached, supporting the hand of her maid, and frowned at the three tense individuals. "We are all female classmates; what grievances cannot be resolved? We are all respectable ladies, and to quarrel so heatedly, exposing our faces in such a manner, is it not damaging to our own reputations?"

"Jingyu, why don't you stay in Shaming for the New Year this time?" Duan Yiyun said, "It has been a full five years since we last parted, and your father often thinks of you. You need to hurry back to Chang'an, and time is quite pressing. It would be better for you to stay. This year's snowfall is less than in previous years, and we can still go into the mountains for winter hunting."

A touch of tender yellow at the cuff is a petal of the wintersweet flower, dampened by the melted snowwater, clinging to the sleeve.

Indeed, Wei Jiayin approached with a brand new lake blue cloak, holding a gilded copper hand warmer, her face beaming with a smile. She was born with thick eyebrows and large eyes, and her smile should have been bright and amiable, but unfortunately, her temperament was extreme and her mind narrow, making her appear quite sinister now.

Liu Yujin walked away, supporting the hand of her maid

Cousin has already been betrothed. The other party is a young lady from the Kong family. Duan Ningjiang sighed in disappointment

"It sounds quite good," Cui Jingyu said lazily with a smile. "The furs from the south are not better than those from the north. If we could hunt a few snow foxes here, we could make a scarf for the elders at home. Besides that, I find the sand and wilderness here quite desolate. It is fortunate that my uncle has been able to guard this place for ten years without change. I see that the people here are rough and fierce, quite unruly. My uncle must have a hard time here."

I am so infuriated! Liu Yujin stamped her foot, "How can there be such an annoying person? Afei, can't you help me out a bit?"

Outside, the laughter of two men was hearty, and Cui Jingyu's voice was particularly clear and enchanting. Duan Ningjiang listened attentively, his cheeks flushed, shyly biting the silk handkerchief in his hand

Duan Yiyun smiled and said: "The Liu family is a prominent local clan, a lineage of gentry for generations. Even my father shows a degree of courtesy when he meets Liu Dalang."

"She is showing off, why do you always like to compete with her?" Danfei said

Duan Ningjiang cast a approving glance and said, "I heard my father and elder brother mention this matter yesterday. My father also said that the Little Prince has a special identity. Once the Little Prince is dead, there will be no more threat from Fuju."

Duan Ningjiang bent down and gave Wei Jiayin a warning glare. Wei Jiayin wilted and followed her.

Wei Jiayin's father was one of the many military officers under General Duan. He held a minor official position, but due to the remote location of Shaming City, there were not many officials, and being a military officer was considered a respectable role. The Liu family was a prominent local clan, with many of its members pursuing education and even donating for a few minor official positions. The Wei and Liu families were comparable in terms of family background, and both Liu Yujin and Wei Jiayin had a penchant for competing with each other, resulting in a somewhat confrontational dynamic. However, Duan Ningjiang, confident in her status as the general's daughter, maintained an aloof and proud demeanor, choosing not to engage in such trivial matters.

Duan Yiyun and Duan Ningjiang's biological mother passed away early. General Duan did not remarry but instead lived with his two children. Today, Duan Ningjiang has come to pray for his deceased mother.

Liu Yujin hated Wei Jiayin to the point of grinding her teeth. Upon hearing the other party say this, she immediately retorted: "Afei needs to manage the business, and it is more convenient to act in men's clothing. Our family is large and prosperous, and Danfei is reliable in her work; how could we not make use of her?"

Liu Yujin muttered, "I know you are laughing at me. Yes, she is the daughter of a general, a noble lady. I, however, am merely the daughter of a country gentry. Even if the Liu family possesses millions in wealth, there remains an insurmountable difference between her and me. She doesn't even consider it worth her time to compare herself with me."

"I never said that," Danfei scoffed. "All I know is that what you just said, I have too thin a skin to express. But perhaps this is the demeanor of a noble family, something we humble commoners cannot emulate.

I see that Duan Ningjiang is going to steal the spotlight again this time Liu Yujin said with a hint of bitterness

In the borderlands, the people are fierce, yet once the common folk accept you, they are exceedingly simple and friendly. Duan Yiyun said, "Yesterday was hurried; later I heard that you had a conflict with the same group of people when you entered the city and even fell off your horse. What happened?"

You—"Cui Jingyu's face resembled a dark altar, "Are you being deliberate?"

"You are naive," Cui Jingyu scoffed. "Farming has its methods, studying has its classics. Similarly, commerce has its principles. If one does not grasp the essentials and merely flounders about, bankruptcy is inevitable. The profits in business are substantial, but the risks naturally increase as well; it is akin to wielding a sharp sword—if not handled properly, it can cause harm. It is indeed somewhat narrow-minded of you to only focus on one side while neglecting the other."

Wei Jiayin was furious and was about to retort when Duan Ningjiang shouted, "Enough! In front of so many people, is it not shameful to argue endlessly?"

At this moment, it is the depth of winter, and the wintersweet is in full bloom, its fragrance permeating the heart and lungs. Liu Yujin stands under the plum tree, lost in her own anger.

Danfei and Qidao: "The grand event held once every three years is certainly not to be missed. We will meet later."

Could it be that nephew of the surname Cui who insulted A Fei for money? Liu Yujin looked over at Dan Fei

Dan Feidao: "Mo Chuo Kehan is a person who is militaristic, cruel, and violent. Over the years, when have the Turkic soldiers not come to disturb the people and commit arson and murder? Every year, many commoners die under the Turkic cavalry. In his early years, Mo Chuo appointed his eldest son Fu Ju as the Little Khan. Fu Ju is not only older but also holds military power. The Princess of Yiguo is a princess of the Tang Dynasty and has given birth to a son, which Fu Ju will undoubtedly perceive as a threat"

Their actions were too conspicuous, naturally attracting the attention of others

Duan Ningjiang covered his mouth and smiled, "If cousin is afraid of ghosts, then can we still go to see the lanterns tonight? There will be a hundred ghosts parading tonight."

Cui Jingyu's face was almost ferocious as he gritted his teeth and shouted, "Get up!"

This Danfei, accustomed to being submissive, presents herself in this manner within the girls' school. Appearing kind and gentle, she is actually as slippery as an eel, even the biased female teachers have a fondness for her and provide her with considerable attention in private

Cousin, you are bad!" Duan Ningjiang said with a flushed face, playfully scolding, and with a bang, she slammed the small door of the ox cart shut

If she had not grown up with her father and brothers in Shaming, but had instead stayed in Chang'an... perhaps...

Cui Jingyu was both amused and exasperated, saying, "I simply dislike that wild dog. If the young lady wants to see the lanterns, I will naturally accompany her."

This remark indirectly criticized Wei Jiayin for being petty and troublesome, taking advantage of her power to bully others. Even someone as foolish as Liu Yujin could understand it, let alone Wei Jiayin. Wei Jiayin immediately flushed with anger and glared fiercely at Cao Danfei. Danfei smiled amiably, resembling a businessman trying to attract customers.

Liu Yujin stood up, ready to leave again. Danfei hurriedly grabbed her, saying, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Your father doesn't like that young man either, and he won't marry you off to him. You are one of the most prominent heiresses in the area, and your uncle is still an official in the capital. Even if we searched through the three nearby states, we would surely find you a young and talented husband."

Walking in front of the ox cart are two tall horses side by side, each carrying a young gentleman. One is dressed as a military general, handsome and valiant, and is none other than General Duan's eldest son, Duan Yiyun. The other man, draped in a sable fur coat, possesses an exceptionally handsome appearance, exuding an air of noble elegance; he is the very person who suffered a loss under Dan Fei's command yesterday.

Danfei, however, scoffed with a disdainful smile and swiftly ran away with light steps

Madam Chen and Danfei rely on each other for survival, with her mother being her bottom line. Liu Yujin is also well aware of this and, seeing Danfei in a fit of rage, is too frightened to speak out recklessly

"Do not speak any further," Dan Fei pulled Liu Yujin aside and turned to Wei Jiayin with a cold smile, saying, "Miss Wei, please do not tease my family’s Jin Niang any longer. She has a straightforward temperament and a pure heart, and she does not engage in underhanded schemes. Why not find someone who is your equal to compete with instead?"

The Kunlun slaves are all dark, thin, and small, looking quite similar to one another. However, the Silla maidens or the Eastern Japan maidens can be found to possess beauty. " Cui Jingyu said, " But no matter how beautiful they are, they cannot compare to Sister Ajiang in the slightest.

He took two steps and suddenly felt something wrapped in the fox fur. After groping around, he unexpectedly found a branch of plum blossoms.

Not only does Wei Fu flatter General Duan, but Wei Jiayin also spends her days trying to curry favor with Duan Ningjiang. Dan Fei's words were like a slap to Wei Jiayin's face.

Wei Jiayin indeed scoffed, saying: "Miss Liu, there is no need to shout. Who in Shaming City does not know that your Liu family is wealthy and influential? Our Wei family is a family of scholars and propriety, naturally living in modesty. Why must Miss Liu come before me to show off?"

Saying this, he curled the corners of his mouth and let out a cold laugh

No one is clear about this matter. Danfei sighed, saying, "It is just pitiful for this princess of Yiguo, not only marrying far away in a foreign land but also losing her child, I cannot imagine how heartbroken and sorrowful she must be."

Cui Jingyu's lips curled into a mocking smile, "I see that group of servants looks just like bandits, how could they possibly come from a gentry family?"

Suddenly, a delicate laugh came from beside my ear, "Can you not be content? Just a hunter's daughter, and because she has climbed onto the Liu family to become a relative, not only does she enjoy a life of luxury, but she can also attend a girls' school to study, and on ordinary days, she can pretend to be a wealthy young lady to fool others. If I were her, I would be burning incense daily to thank the Bodhisattva for her blessings, how could I still be picky? Look! A good woman, always wearing men's clothes. Spending all day mingling with those rough men, not afraid of others gossiping, what a lack of shame. If I were her, I would be burning incense daily to thank the Bodhisattva for her blessings, how could I still be picky? Look! A good woman, always wearing men's clothes. Spending all day mingling with those rough men, not afraid of others gossiping, what a lack of shame. The Liu family is stingy, treating the maid as a servant."

Such sharpness and acerbity can only belong to a lady of the Wei family

The temple was bustling with visitors, and Duan Yiyun was worried about being separated, so he stayed close to Duan Ningjiang alongside Cui Jingyu. After Duan Ningjiang offered the oil money, he proceeded to bow before each of the Buddha statues. The monks naturally recognized the general's daughter and, seeing the generous offering, treated their group with exceptional warmth.

Liu Yujin's face turned red, and only then did he realize, "I... we Liu family also uphold the tradition of farming and education..."

Wei Jiayin's face turned pale with a hint of green, and she gritted her teeth, saying: "At least my parents are both alive. Unlike you, Cao Danfei, who lost your father at a young age and had to rely on your mother, living under someone else's roof. Your mother is nothing but a harbinger of death, bringing misfortune to your father..."