The Devious First Daughter

Chapter 4. Selfish woman who lingers in Cold mountain temple

"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.