Chapter 936: Chapter 398: Cutting Off the Source (Part 2)
No one knows where the rumor began, but the person staying at Zhaohua Temple is not Yueyao herself, but a stand-in. The real Lian Yueyao eloped with soone half a year ago.
This rumor quickly spread throughout Capital City.
An Zhichen, having just been promoted, was in a good mood. Who doesn’t enjoy a promotion when in office? An Zhichen had already planned his future, intending to hone his skills in the Capital City for a few more years before assigning himself elsewhere, where there’d be more prospects.
Soldiers are usually straightforward, and Ah Kai’s expression turned sour when he heard the rumors outside. He directly reported it to An Zhichen: “Master, there are rampant rumors outside saying that Miss Lian eloped with soone.” When Third Miss Lian was kidnapped by evildoers, it was his master who traveled all the way to Haikou to rescue her and planned to marry her into the family. Though he had so misgivings, he kept silent. But there’s a huge difference between elopent and abduction. Elopent indicates a woman’s questionable character and lack of virtue, such a woman should never be accepted.
An Zhichen’s previously joyful mood vanished upon hearing this: “Investigate who’s spreading these rumors!” Unless there’s a deep-seated enmity, how else could such rumors be circulated?
Ma Chengteng found out after duty, inford by the Chief Steward. When Ma Chengteng heard the news, his face turned green then purple.
The Chief Steward was unaware of Yueyao’s disappearance, or rather, it could be said that the masters of Ma’s Mansion had managed things quite well, keeping it from everyone within Ma’s Mansion. Of course, Yueyao managed to keep it under wraps largely because of her usual eccentric behavior: “Old Master, I’ve already sent people to investigate. No idea who’s so black-hearted to slander Cousin Miss like this.”
Ma Chengteng also contemplated, who could have acted so maliciously.
The Chief Steward observed Ma Chengteng’s expression, and instead tried to console him: “Great Grandfather needn’t worry. The reputation of Cousin Miss is well known in Capital City; it’s impossible for them to disparage her successfully.” To spread such rumors intending to ruin Cousin Miss’s reputation is indeed laughable. Everyone knows Cousin Miss’s high moral character; how could she possibly elope with soone? Moreover, Cousin Miss is at Zhaohua Temple right now; once she returns to the capital, these rumors will naturally be refuted.
Ma Chengteng found so solace knowing Yueyao was currently at Zhaohua Temple: “Have soone send word to Yueyao, asking her to return to the capital as soon as she’s finished painting.” Ma Chengteng was feeling a bit regretful now; if he had known earlier, he would have set the date in June, though a bit hurried, he would have been more at ease if she married sooner.
Unlike Ma Chengteng’s fright and concern, Li Guoxing was sowhat angry upon hearing this. In Li Guoxing’s view, the person spreading rumors was truly malicious. On one hand, An Zhichen’s promotion made people praise his youth and promising future; on the other hand, absurd rumors of Yueyao eloping instantly erged, indicating soone’s sche. But the thod is too vicious.
Lady Li, however, had doubts: “Old Master, speaking of which, Yueyao has been staying on the mountain for half a year. The master said Yueyao was possessed, and by now it should’ve been resolved. With the date set again, and a few months left before the wedding, she should have descended the mountain.” Lady Li went to Zhaohua Temple in March to burn incense and intended to visit Yueyao, but unfortunately, she didn’t see her. At that ti, Lady Li thought Yueyao still bore grudges from past events, but now in retrospect, it seems quite odd.
Li Guoxing also frowned upon hearing this. Yueyao suddenly decided to stay long-term at Zhaohua Temple for half a year and used possession as an excuse? Li Guoxing wasn’t one to believe in superstition; at the ti, he thought Yueyao felt aggrieved at Ma’s Mansion so she escaped to the mountains. But upon reflection now, there are too many uncertainties. Yueyao always cared for Tingzheng deeply, yet when Tingzheng was taking the military exams, Yueyao didn’t descend from the mountain. What’s more unusual is that when Tingzheng passed the exams it was all done quietly, which was very strange. Li Guoxing was keenly aware of the efforts Yueyao invested in Tingzheng.
Li Guoxing was convinced that sothing major had happened over these months. Li Guoxing did not suspect Yueyao eloped; having known Yueyao for years, he was familiar with her temperant, and it was unlikely for Yueyao to act so rashly.
Li Guoxing, harboring doubts, naturally sent people to investigate. And sure enough, Li Guoxing’s n found so clues.
The ssenger cautiously stated: “Old Master, Miss Lian hasn’t seen anyone over the past half year, not even the maids or old nannies, always staying inside the courtyard without stepping out. When people ca to visit, Miss Lian never showed herself.” Staying in the mountains observing religious practices is fine, but the issue lies in spending half a year confined in the temple courtyard without ever going out, declining to et even the wealthy won visiting the temple to burn incense, which is very peculiar.
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