Mingzhu casually changed into a new outfit and went out with Yueyao, muttering as they walked: "I’ve made a big sacrifice this ti, so you better compensate well when we return to the Capital City."
Yueyao responded with a smile.
For families that received an invitation from the Niu Mansion, they would undoubtedly attend unless they truly couldn’t manage, and as more people arrived, the scene beca increasingly lively.
The Madams who ca to offer congratulations, even those who had seen Yueyao before, were astonished. Thinking of the rumors outside, and then looking at the real person standing before them, doubts began to arise in their hearts.
The last ti Yueyao ca to entertain guests, she appeared aloof and unapproachable, keeping others at a respectful distance. Now, with such an image, no one wanted to be with her, as being by her side ant being in her shadow. Being in her shadow wasn’t the worst part; the worst was being overshadowed and seen as ordinary in comparison.
Mingzhu felt helpless about this as well.
However, Madam Yun, who had previously supported Yueyao’s decision to invite a dancer, proactively spoke to Yueyao: "Lady Lian, you don’t need to pay attention to those rumors outside. Those people just want to use your na to gain fa and make money." Madam Yun, having seen Yueyao’s aloof and proud deanor, found it amusing that she could converse so pleasantly with an Oiran from the Brothel.
Yueyao replied with a calm smile: "Thank you, Madam Yun, for your concern. In fact, I haven’t really cared. As the saying goes, only diocre people are not envied. Those people think they can undermine with such despicable ans, but they underestimate ."
Mingzhu’s brow twitched slightly, realizing Yueyao had known all along.
Madam Yun was surprised: "Madam, do you an that soone deliberately sared your reputation? I just thought it was people from Xunfang Pavilion trying to ride on your coattails."
Yueyao’s lips curled with disdain: "Xunfang Pavilion doesn’t have the audacity to slander . However, since they aided the villain, they must not be forgiven."
Yueyao’s detached and carefree deanor left Madam Yun stunned. She had thought Yueyao was a genuinely simple and kind person. Madam Yun laughed, realizing there could hardly be such a naive noblewoman from the Capital City.
Madam Chen, smiling beside, said: "I’ve always heard people say your paintings are excellent, but I’ve never had the fortune to see them for myself. I wonder if we’ll be so fortunate today?"
Yueyao’s outstanding painting skills were well-known in Jiangnan, but the Madams present had only heard of them and not seen them, as art exhibitions were attended by n and won didn’t go.
Mingzhu joyfully said: "Yueyao, it’s rare for everyone to be this interested, have soone bring out your paintings so everyone can admire them." This was all arranged by Mingzhu, without informing Yueyao.
Yueyao smiled and instructed Gu You: "Bring the third box here." The third box contained Buddha statues that Yueyao had painted, along with copied scriptures. The Madams present might not be interested in paintings, but they were certainly interested in Buddha statues and scriptures.
Indeed, as soon as these items were brought out, everyone expressed great interest. Of course, even if uninterested, they wouldn’t dampen the host’s enthusiasm.
One lady took a fancy to a Goddess of rcy statue and discreetly said to Yueyao: "Lady Lian, I really like this Goddess of rcy statue, would you consider parting with it?" She didn’t say the part about the price being negotiable, but everyone understood.
Yueyao shook her head and said: "These statues and scriptures, I plan to donate them to Zhaohua Temple when I return to the Capital City." By saying this, Yueyao indicated that these items were neither for sale nor for gifting.
Mingzhu chuckled and said: "You all might not know, but my younger sister has loved scriptures since childhood and often stayed at Zhaohua Temple. It was her fate that she caught Master Xuan Tian’s eye, who often explained the Buddhist scriptures to her. Don’t underestimate her; her understanding of Buddhist Law is quite profound."
Everyone looked surprised: "Madam, you’ve been taught by Master Xuan Tian?" Although Jiangnan is far from the Capital City, everyone is still aware of Master Xuan Tian’s great reputation.
Yueyao nodded: "At that ti, I intended to serve the Buddha, but the Master said I still had attachnts and hadn’t completed my worldly affairs. Otherwise, I would have already entered the monastic life and beco the Master’s disciple."
Everyone was a little shocked by these words. But looking again at Yueyao, standing quietly by the table, it was undeniable that Yueyao exuded a sense of cool detachnt, as if she had seen through worldly matters. By looking at her, you could feel an inner peace and tranquility, a feeling only found in those who have achieved great spiritual insight.
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