Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 594 - 237 Visit Zhaohua Temple again_2

Chapter 594: 237 Visit Zhaohua Temple again_2

Zhuang Ruolan’s expression changed dramatically upon hearing Yueyao mention going to Zhaohua Temple, and she asked anxiously, "Why on earth do you want to go to Zhaohua Temple? Has someone in the mansion wronged you?" The last time could be said to be for praying for her grandmother, but this time there was no reason for a sudden desire to go to Zhaohua Temple. Zhuang Ruolan suspected that Lady Cheng had said something bad about Yueyao, making her no longer want to live in the mansion.

Seeing Zhuang Ruolan’s anxious look, Yueyao hurriedly explained, "Mr. Yu Shan has sent me a letter, saying he hopes I will go to Zhaohua Temple. Mr. Yu Shan will be at the temple for the next two months, and if I go there, I can receive more guidance from him. I also have many questions to ask him, and I’ll talk to my uncle about it tonight."

Yueyao didn’t want her reputation to spread. Mr. Yu Shan also didn’t want others to know that Yueyao was skillful in painting. Previously, Yueyao’s painting talent was just a rumor, and to those in their circles, hearing such whispers was something to be brushed off with a laugh. It wasn’t until he came to know Yueyao that he realized, Yueyao indeed possessed an extraordinary talent. For this reason, Mr. Yu Shan broke convention to teach her, hoping to take her a step further. To his satisfaction, Yueyao made rapid progress, even beyond his expectations.

Mr. Yu Shan believed Yueyao was ready to become a master in her own right. He was confident that once her paintings were made public, they would definitely bring her fame. However, he worried that Yueyao was too young and that premature fame might negatively affect her character, as she was easily influenced at her tender age. This was not the first time such a concern had arisen; Mr. Yu Shan had personally witnessed a child prodigy fall from grace due to overwhelming fame. Hence, Mr. Yu Shan wanted Yueyao to live on the mountain, both to provide closer guidance and to better temper her skills.

Zhuang Ruolan had thought that something within Ma’s Mansion had incurred Lady Cheng’s disdain, which then led to retaliation against Yueyao by sending her to suffer on the mountain. She hadn’t expected that it was Mr. Yu Shan’s suggestion. Remembering that Yueyao hadn’t formally accepted Mr. Yu Shan as her teacher, she asked, "Did Mr. Yu Shan say when he would take you on as a student?" If Mr. Yu Shan were to accept Yueyao as his disciple, it would benefit her for a lifetime.

Yueyao shook her head and said, "Mr. Yu Shan said he will not take me on as a student." In fact, Mr. Yu Shan had said her current level of skill didn’t require her to seek a new teacher, but in her heart, Yueyao regarded Mr. Yu Shan as her mentor.

Zhuang Ruolan found Mr. Yu Shan to be quite strange. However, it wasn’t her place to interfere. If Yueyao could receive Mr. Yu Shan’s full teachings, it would be beneficial for her, and of course, Zhuang Ruolan would not obstruct it. "Then when do you plan to leave? I will prepare accordingly." Zhuang Ruolan was certain Ma Chengteng would not object to this news as he was even keener than she for Yueyao to make a name for herself in the art world.

Yueyao shook her head and said, "There’s no need, apart from bringing some clothes, there’s nothing else I need to take. Mr. Yu Shan has already arranged everything." Mr. Yu Shan had prepared a courtyard for Yueyao, right next to his, which was very convenient.

The more Zhuang Ruolan heard, the weirder it sounded. If it weren’t for her trust in Mr. Yu Shan’s character, she would have rushed to find her father-in-law to reject this invitation. Indeed, geniuses and eccentrics often went hand in hand.

That very night, Yueyao spoke to Ma Chengteng about it, and he naturally wouldn’t refuse, even mentioning that he would visit Yueyao at the mountain when he had the time.

Yueyao didn’t linger any longer. When she returned, she had someone pack her belongings. This time she only took clothes and books; hence, her luggage was not substantial.

Early the next morning, Yueyao set off for the mountain with Xiang Wei, Xi Yu, and Nanny Hao. After Nanny Deng had stayed in Ma’s Mansion for half a month, Yueyao sent her to live in the countryside manor. With Nanny Deng’s advanced years, Yueyao didn’t want her to toil any longer and preferred her to enjoy some tranquility in the countryside manor.

As Madam Tang was dealing with matters, Su Zhu came to report, "Second Madam, Miss Yao left in a carriage." Seeing that Madam Tang didn’t grasp the situation at once, she added, "Second Madam, Miss Yao took four large boxes with her. It looked as if she was setting off on a long journey."

Madam Tang was astonished: "Going on a long journey? Do you know where Miss Yao is headed?" It was unusual to leave for a lengthy trip without any news, and moreover without informing her, the head of the household.

Su Zhu shook her head and said, "I inquired a bit, and it seems she is heading to Zhaohua Temple." Su Zhu felt indignant on behalf of Madam Tang and said resentfully, "Madam, Miss Yao really doesn’t regard you highly. You have provided for her in every possible way, without a single fault, and yet she does this. At first, I thought she was agreeable, but it turns out she’s even worse than the Eldest Miss." Such behavior was clearly a slap in the face.

Madam Tang wasn’t angry but rather curious and puzzled, "Why would she go to the austere Zhaohua Temple all of a sudden? And if she were going to the temple, she should have told me, so I could prepare the necessities. But now, there have been no instructions, this is really strange."

Su Zhu thought for a moment and admitted the strangeness of it, "Madam, I’ll inquire further."

Madam Tang let Su Zhu go with a smile. She knew well that Su Zhu would not find out anything substantial. If Yueyao was going to Zhaohua Temple, it must be for a reason, otherwise, she would have mentioned it even to her steward.

Lady Mo had bribed several servant women in Ma’s Mansion, so by that afternoon, she was informed of Yueyao’s trip to Zhaohua Temple. However, these servant women were not attendants in the Inner Courtyard and lacked clear details.

Lady Mo listened with a face full of surprise and suspicion, "What is that girl doing at Zhaohua Temple?" There must be more to an unexpected trip to the temple.

The informant shook her head and said, "I don’t know. I only know she’s gone to Zhaohua Temple, and she only took a few boxes with her, which doesn’t seem like she plans to stay long."

Lady Mo was baffled, and Granny Hua suggested, "Madam, we could send someone to inquire at Zhaohua Temple, and then we’ll know."

Lady Mo nodded her head in agreement.