Вut where eхаctly wаs Cheng Jiа?
Неаring Оld Мadam Guо say this, Zhou Shaojin felt dееplу saddеnеd.
Сhеng Jia hаd аlwауs bеen thе one most еаger tо stick by her sidе, yet this timе she hadn't раid hеr аnу аttеntion. It was сlеar shе hаd mаde uр her mind еаrly on but wаs аfraid оf implicating Shаojin, which was whу shе hаd distanсed herself.
Whаt а fоolish girl!
Littlе did shе knоw thаt if shе wеnt missing, how соuld Shaоjin pоssibly stand bу and dо nоthing?
Нowеvеr, Оld Мadam Guo's wоrds also made sensе.
After all, thе matter bеtweеn Сheng Jiа and Li Jing wasn't exactly honorable. Presumably, Madam Jiang didn't want too many people to know about it, especially Shaojin, who had been compared to Cheng Jia since childhood. Now that Cheng Jia was involved in such a scandal, Madam Jiang was likely most wary of her.
Zhou Shaojin told Old Madam Guo about Li Jing's previous whereabouts and added, "Although it would be best to wait for Uncle Lu and Aunt Lu to arrive before deciding what to do, Cousin Jia isn't just anyone. We can't stand by and watch her make a mistake. Besides, whether she has run off with Li Jing is only our speculation. What if she hasn't? I think we should go straight to the source and confront Li Jing directly. If Cousin Jia has indeed run off with him, it must have been a spur-of-the-moment decision. Inns and general stores might hold some clues. If she hasn't run off with Li Jing at all, then we'll likely have to search the mountains..."
That would certainly cause a commotion!
Old Madam Guo looked at Zhou Shaojin with added appreciation and said, "That's an excellent idea! We'll proceed as you suggest!"
Zhou Shaojin was taken aback.
She had merely spoken her mind, never expecting Old Madam Guo not only to refrain from scolding her for talking nonsense but also to plan to act on her suggestion.
This... this... In both her lifetimes, it was the first time someone had placed such importance on her words!
Immediately, she grew anxious and hesitant, stammering, "Old... Old Madam, I lack experience. My words may not carry much weight..."
Old Madam Guo smiled and interrupted Zhou Shaojin, saying, "Who doesn't start from nothing? Your idea is well-considered in every aspect. Let's try acting on your suggestion. If it doesn't work, we can always start over." She continued, "If Cheng Jia has eloped with Li Jing, that's actually better—at least her life won't be in danger. What I fear is that we're making assumptions. In that case, we must guard against two possibilities: first, that Cheng Jia wandered around the temple, got lost, and is trapped somewhere; second, that she was abducted by someone with ill intentions, which could endanger her life or reputation. So, our first step is to speak with Shi Hui. After all, this happened at Ganquan Temple, and as the abbot, he bears some responsibility. He will surely stand with us. Not only will we gain a local ally, but we also won't have to worry about him spreading the news. Then, we can ask Shi Hui to help us search. Considering the time, we're already late. I fear the culprit may have already taken Cheng Jia far away. But no matter where they go, within dozens of miles around here is Ganquan Temple's territory. As you said, we should be able to find some clues."
By the time Cheng Lu and Madam Jiang arrived, they would have already accomplished so much. With Old Madam Li acting as a shield, even if they were furious, they could only direct their anger at Old Madam Li. How could they blame them?
However, Shaojin was acting out of pure sincerity. There was no need to tell her about these considerations.
When she was older and had experienced more, she could be gently guided then!
Old Madam Guo pondered this to herself.
Meanwhile, Zhou Shaojin was overwhelmed with gratitude.She understood that Old Madam Guo was teaching her how to conduct herself, so she obediently and meekly agreed. Supporting Old Madam Guo, she left the side room.
The side room where Cheng Jia and Madam Li were staying had already descended into chaos—serving women panicked, maids wept, and a few experienced ones tried to console them. In contrast, those brought from Cold Green Mountain House remained composed, continuing with their tasks without distraction, unlike the maids and serving women from the fourth branch, who gossiped while trying to comfort those from the third branch.
Fortunately, both the third and fourth branches greatly feared Old Madam Guo. As soon as she stood beneath the corridor, the maids and serving women held their breath, lowered their heads, and dared not make a sound. Meanwhile, Old Madam Li’s weeping and Old Madam Guan’s soft words of comfort from inside the room grew even clearer.
Zhou Shaojin was deeply impressed.
No wonder Old Madam Guo had raised outstanding figures like Uncle Jing and Uncle Chi.
If a child were raised by Old Madam Guo, they would surely grow into someone as refined and noble as Uncle Jing or Uncle Chi.
Zhou Shaojin’s respect for Old Madam Guo deepened further.
Just then, Old Madam Guo’s expression darkened as she said sternly, “What is all this commotion? Ganquan Temple is vast. If Miss Jia is missing, arrange for people to search. What is this disorderly conduct? Who are the personal nanny and senior maid serving Old Madam Li? Step forward!”
A delicate and charming maid of about fifteen or sixteen trembled as she took a step forward, whispering fearfully, “Mama Li and Sister Fanghua are in the side room comforting the old madam.”
Old Madam Guo glanced at the maid and said, “What is your name? Go and fetch Fanghua.”
The maid whispered, “This servant is Xiangwen. I will go and call Sister Fanghua right away.”
Old Madam Guo nodded, her expression softening slightly. She quietly instructed Nanny Lu to summon Monk Shihui, have the accompanying steward come in to receive orders, and prepare the nannies to assist the temple’s young monks in the search. Since Old Madam Li had panicked upon Cheng Jia’s disappearance and immediately sent someone to inform Cheng Lu, Old Madam Guo also had Nanny Lu dispatch someone to wait at the temple gate for the arrival of those from Nine Prosperities Lane.
Nanny Lu hurried out of the courtyard.
The maid named Fanghua was also brought before Old Madam Guo.
After glancing at Fanghua, whose eyes were red and swollen from crying, Old Madam Guo said sharply, “Miss Jia might have gotten lost while playing. Instead of searching for her, what is the point of all this weeping? Everyone, wash your faces and hands, tidy your hair. The maids will stay to attend to Old Madam Li, while the serving women and wives will follow Biyu’s orders to assist in the search!”
No one believed Cheng Jia had simply gotten lost while playing, but with someone taking charge of the chaos—and that someone being Old Madam Guo—the maids and serving women regained their composure. They all pulled themselves together, tidied up, and stood straight at their posts, while those off duty went to the tea room to await further instructions.
Only then did the courtyard begin to resemble the dignified atmosphere of a prominent household.
When Monk Shihui arrived with a grave expression, Zhou Shaojin stayed by Old Madam Guo’s side to assist.
After the two had discussed their strategy, she escorted the guests out on Old Madam Guo’s behalf and invited the accompanying steward in to speak.
Both Monk Shihui and Steward Bai couldn’t help but glance at Zhou Shaojin a few extra times.
Zhou Shaojin’s heart raced nervously, but she forced herself not to show any timidity.
After they left, she suddenly realized that facing these unfamiliar men was actually quite manageable.Zhou Shaojin couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.
Old Madam Li, knowing that Old Madam Guo had stepped in to handle the matter, felt greatly reassured and gradually stopped her weeping.
Old Madam Guo, however, was in a foul mood and said to Zhou Shaojin, "I despise people like her the most. When something happens, all she knows is to cry. When others lend a hand, she leans on them and shirks all responsibility, leaving everything to others while doing nothing herself!"
Wasn't this exactly how she had been in her past life?
No wonder Old Madam Guo had looked down on her in her previous life!
Zhou Shaojin's face flushed red, and she whispered, "Perhaps she feels she lacks the ability..."
"Even if she lacks the ability, she should at least lend a hand or do what she can," Old Madam Guo continued, still seething with anger. "Look at her now—calmly chatting intimately with your grandmother, not even bothering to comfort the maids and servants around her."
Zhou Shaojin recalled her own behavior from her past life, reflecting on her actions.
The steward rushed in, sweating profusely, and said, "Madam, Li Jing has been found. He left Jinling yesterday and has already reached Zhenjiang. Miss Jia is not with him. However, he left his personal attendant at the inn, saying he was afraid Miss Jia might have something to instruct. He specifically ordered the attendant to wait at the inn. I have already informed the attendant about Miss Jia's situation, and he has sent someone to Zhenjiang to report to Li Jing."
"How could this be?" Zhou Shaojin felt her hands and feet turn icy cold.
Cheng Jia was not with Li Jing... Where was she then? Could she be in danger?
Zhou Shaojin's eyes immediately welled up with tears.
Now even Old Madam Guo's expression changed drastically, and she said, "Then we can only rely on the monks of Ganquan Temple!"
The steward nodded repeatedly, not even daring to wipe his sweat.
Though Zhou Shaojin was burning with anxiety, she still had a maid pass a handkerchief to the steward.
The steward gave Zhou Shaojin a grateful look and said, "Madam and Second Cousin need not worry too much. Miss Jia has never traveled far from home before, so she likely hasn't gone far. As long as we search carefully, we will surely find her."
For now, that was the only way to think about it!
Old Madam Guo nodded in agreement.
Cheng Lu and Madam Jiang arrived.
Madam Jiang grabbed Old Madam Guan's hand and burst into loud sobs.
Cheng Lu, upon entering, knelt before Old Madam Guo. With reddened eyes, he said, "Nephew thanks Aunt for your help. Without your support, we might never have known where our Jia girl has gone!"
His words sounded sincere, and Old Madam Guo replied, "Don't panic. The more anxious you are, the more likely you are to make mistakes. You must have had a tiring journey rushing here. Have some tea and freshen up. Perhaps Jia girl will be found soon."
Cheng Lu nodded, tears in his eyes.
Madam Jiang, however, cried out, "It must be that wretched scoundrel who lured Cheng Jia away..."
Cheng Lu, usually so mild-tempered, turned and slapped Madam Jiang hard across the face in front of the family elders and servants, his expression dark and stern. "If you dare say another word, you will spend the rest of your life in a temple."
Madam Jiang covered her face, staring blankly at Cheng Lu, her gaze vacant, unable to regain her composure for a long while.
Zhou Shaojin was also stunned by Cheng Lu's slap. Like a startled bird, her face turned pale as she retreated several steps in fright, hiding behind Old Madam Guo.Old Madam Guo did not know what she had experienced in her past life. Seeing how frightened she was, she pulled her into her embrace, gently patted her back, and whispered, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. Your Uncle Cheng Lu isn’t angry with you."
Zhou Shaojin, of course, knew.
It took her a long while to finally catch her breath.
Old Madam Guo couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
This child not only looks as delicate as a flower, but her temperament is also just as fragile. If she were to marry into an ordinary family, she might not last long before withering away!
With this thought, she felt even more pity for Zhou Shaojin.
Old Madam Guan was worried that Madam Jiang and Cheng Lu might cause a scene at this critical moment.
She hurriedly pulled Madam Jiang toward the side room where Old Madam Li was resting.
※
Brothers and sisters, here’s an extra chapter for kinka’s spirit beast egg!
o(n_n)o~
ps: The update will be around midnight.
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to...)
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