In her previous life, Longfu Temple gained the ability to rival the Great Xiangguo Temple and became renowned in the Capital only after Ji Yong became its abbot.
Dou Zhao couldn't recall exactly when Longfu Temple's reputation began to flourish. By the time she heard of it, obtaining incense from the temple had already become extremely difficult.
But in this lifetime, although Longfu Temple enjoyed thriving incense offerings, its fame remained modest. Most worshippers were women from humble households, with hardly any ornate carriages or sedan chairs in sight.
As Dou Zhao stood before the main gate of Longfu Temple, she couldn't help but look up at its mountain gate.
Would Ji Yong still become associated with Longfu Temple in this life?
She glanced back at Song Mo.
To avoid drawing attention, both Song Mo and she had changed into plain Hangzhou silk outfits. She wore only two silver hairpins, traveling lightly with just Chen He, the Jin Gui sisters, Duan Gongyi, and a few other guards in attendance.
Amidst the curling incense smoke of Longfu Temple, Song Mo and Dou Zhao offered incense in the Mahavira Hall.
Women coming to worship frequently stole glances at them.
Chen Jia smiled wryly.
He had chosen this place to settle Yi Gui precisely because of its bustling incense scene and the large crowds that could help her blend in. But he had forgotten how striking Song Mo and Dou Zhao's appearances were—even dressed in the simplest attire, their natural grace and nobility shone through unmistakably.
Had he known, he might as well have placed Yi Gui at the Great Xiangguo Temple instead!
Muttering to himself, he thought of Yi Gui's timid face and signaled Huzi with a look, instructing him to inform Yi Gui in advance so she wouldn't tremble like a frightened animal in the corner upon seeing Song Mo and Dou Zhao.
Understanding the hint, Huzi hurried off toward the side houses to the east.
After donating incense money, Song Mo and Dou Zhao, accompanied by Chen Jia, headed toward the side houses.
On this midsummer morning, the air grew warm as soon as the sun rose. Though the thick shade of Longfu Temple's massive trees covered the ground, it couldn't soothe the restlessness in Song Mo's heart.
He had barely slept the night before.
He couldn't quite define his emotions.
Sympathy? The girl was his father's illegitimate daughter, living proof of his father's betrayal of his mother. Such feelings seemed somewhat misplaced.
Hatred? Had he not known of the girl's plight, he might have hated her. But realizing that her suffering stemmed from his father's irresponsibility made it impossible for him to summon any hatred.
Affection? That was even more out of the question. He had always valued strength—even in women. That she had ended up in such a state suggested flaws in her character, making it hard for him to feel any fondness.
Even as he stepped into Longfu Temple, he still hadn't decided how to handle the situation with the girl.
Never in his life had Song Mo felt so conflicted.
He instinctively grasped Dou Zhao's hand.
She squeezed it tightly in return.
Her feelings were just as complex as his.
As a woman, she pitied the girl's circumstances. Yet, knowing she might be Song Mo's half-sister, her loyalty to him made it difficult to extend much compassion toward her.
The two entered the side houses at a measured pace.
Despite the summer heat, the windows were tightly shut, leaving only a beam of sunlight filtering through the skylight, casting the room in deep gloom.As they entered, Huzi was whispering to a woman seated in the Grand Preceptor's Chair at the head of the central hall. Hearing the commotion, he quickly stepped aside while the woman slowly rose to her feet.
Though her features were indistinct, her slender frame appeared exceedingly frail.
Song Mo clearly hadn't expected this. He stopped at the doorway and asked in a deep voice, "Are you Wang Yi Gui?"
The girl remained silent.
Chen Jia grew anxious.
Why was this girl so stubborn?
After all he'd told her yesterday.
The Young Lord of the Duke of England's Mansion wielded immense power—his word could mean life or death. When meeting him, she must be respectful in tone and gentle in manner, never putting on airs. If she could please him, she'd live in luxury hereafter, never again fearing capture by Wei Quan or harassment from He Hao.
He cleared his throat softly and reminded Yi Gui in a low voice, "The Young Lord and Madam have come to see you. Hurry and pay your respects!"
But the girl stood rooted to the spot, unmoving.
Chen Jia had no choice but to step forward and give her a gentle push, whispering, "Kneel quickly."
The girl remained obstinate, hanging her head and standing rigidly in place.
Seeing no other option, Chen Jia pushed her again.
This time with more force. The girl staggered, nearly falling, stumbling forward several steps before regaining her balance.
A beam of light from the mica window fell across her face.
Those delicate features, that luminous countenance—Dou Zhao and Song Mo saw everything clearly.
Dou Zhao felt a pang, as if seeing a pearl tarnished by dust.
But Song Mo froze, his expression abruptly changing as he cried out, "Mother!"
The room had been silent to begin with, devoid of others, so this exclamation was heard distinctly.
Dou Zhao turned to Song Mo in shock.
Song Mo likewise looked back at her.
She saw waves of horror surging in his eyes.
"What is it?" Dou Zhao's mind was a chaotic blank, but she still tightly grasped Song Mo's arm.
All color had drained from Song Mo's face.
"She... she looks exactly like my mother..." he murmured. "Even more than Cousin Hanzhu..."
How could Li Tiaoniang's daughter resemble Madam Jiang?
Even if there were a resemblance, shouldn't she look more like Song Yichun?
And what about Song Han back at the mansion?
Dou Zhao's fingers turned cold, her mind utterly empty.
Chen Jia felt as if struck by lightning.
Wasn't she supposed to be the Duke of Yingguo's illegitimate daughter?
Why was Madam Jiang being brought into this?
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he cast a troubled glance at Yi Gui, then pulled Huzi toward the exit. "Young Lord, you may question Miss Yi Gui directly. Huzi and I will wait outside."
But Yi Gui suddenly grabbed Chen Jia's sleeve, her face frantic with fear. "You said you knew my uncle! You promised to take me back to the Capital to find him... Were you lying? Where is my uncle? I want to see my uncle!" Her eyes reddened as tears began to fall. "Please, take me to my uncle. He'll reward you handsomely..."
Her words were like fuel to flames. A fire erupted in Song Mo's chest.
Hearing this girl who resembled his mother beg for help from that despicable scoundrel Li Liang made the veins at his temples bulge."What uncle? That lowly commoner is worthy of the title?" His face darkened, the ferocity between his brows so terrifying it seemed ready to burst forth and devour. "Chen Jia, go find Li Liang for me! I want to ask him what exactly is going on here?"
Song Mo sneered, an icy aura radiating from him.
Chen Jia couldn't help but shiver, not daring to look at Song Mo any longer. He bowed in assent and turned to leave.
Yi Gui clung to Chen Jia's sleeve, refusing to let go.
Chen Jia had no choice but to coax her softly, "You heard it too, I need to go find Li Liang."
He didn't dare refer to Li Liang as "uncle," afraid Song Mo might fly into another rage.
Yi Gui was trembling with fear, crying as she begged Chen Jia, "Take me with you to find my uncle!"
Chen Jia gave a bitter smile.
Her connections with the Song family were intricate and deep, while he was barely even a peripheral figure. No matter how much she acted up, Song Yantang would be the one to handle it. If he wasn't careful, he might end up dead on the spot.
He cast a pleading glance toward Dou Zhao.
Dou Zhao hurried forward to comfort Yi Gui by patting her shoulder.
But Yi Gui shrank behind Chen Jia in fear.
Song Mo watched, his expression growing even darker.
Dou Zhao had no choice but to gently persuade Yi Gui, "If your mother knew what you've been through, who knows how she'd react? Let's get your uncle here first. If we meant you harm, why would we go to such lengths when you're all alone here?"
Still, Yi Gui clung to Chen Jia's sleeve.
Song Mo's expression turned terrifying as he strode toward them.
Dou Zhao quickly shot him a warning look.
After hesitating for a few moments, Song Mo took a few steps back.
Dou Zhao tried again to persuade Yi Gui, who finally bit her lip and released Chen Jia's sleeve.
Chen Jia exhaled in relief and strode out quickly.
Huzi, meanwhile, had been so frightened his legs went weak. It took him a moment before he could scurry after Chen Jia.
Dou Zhao signaled for Song Mo to leave first.
After a brief hesitation, Song Mo exited the room.
Dou Zhao then helped Yi Gui sit down and asked softly, "When did you return to the Capital? Who's been taking care of you here?" She reassured her, "Don't be afraid. Now that you're back in the Capital, neither Wei Quan nor the He Family can dominate everything anymore!"
Yi Gui burst into tears.
At first, it was quiet sobs, but gradually her cries grew louder until she was wailing over the table.
Dou Zhao's eyes also stung, and she couldn't help but gently stroke Yi Gui's black hair.
Only then did she realize Yi Gui had been blessed with beautiful hair—not only jet-black and glossy but also thick and smooth as silk.
Song Mo also had such fine hair.
Dou Zhao's heart ached unbearably, tears welling up in her eyes.
What exactly had happened back then?
In this lifetime, if she hadn't impulsively asked Chen Xi to take in Yi Gui, what would her fate have been?
She recalled Song Mo mentioning in her past life that he had gone to pay respects to his sister.
The sister he spoke of must have been Yi Gui.
In that past life, Yi Gui had died... but in this one, they had managed to save her in time...
※※※※※
Outside the door, Song Mo listened to the crying inside, his chest feeling as though a heavy stone were pressing down on it.
He ordered Chen He, "Summon Du Wei!"
Chen He trembled as he acknowledged the order and hurried off.
Song Mo paced back and forth along the veranda.
Duan Gongyi and the others didn't dare even breathe loudly, standing silently around him.
The crying inside gradually subsided, and Du Wei arrived, sweating profusely.Song Mo instructed him: "When my mother gave birth to Second Master, who were the people serving in the room? Where are they now? I want you to investigate this thoroughly and report back to me immediately!"
Du Wei bowed and withdrew.
Chen Jia hurried over with Li Liang in tow.
Seeing Song Mo standing on the veranda, looking down at him with an imperious gaze, and noticing the silent yet menacing guards surrounding the courtyard, Li Liang slowed his steps, his expression turning grave.
"Who are you? Where is Yi Gui?"
He turned to glare at Chen Jia, the man who had deceived him into coming here, his eyes filled with hostility.
Chen Jia, however, merely smiled faintly, bowed to Song Mo, and stepped aside without a word.
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