"Lord Chu, the temple is only this big. Thereâs just one kitchen left to see. Would you like to go?" Heshan turned his head and smiled at him, his hand continuously rolling the Buddha beads.
Chu Heng responded with a hum, observing his reaction, especially the fleeting excitement in his eyes after he agreed, capturing every bit of it.
He acted as if he was unaware, following him into the kitchen.
Just as he stepped into the kitchen, his nostrils twitched almost imperceptibly. That familiar scent, though fleeting, was still caught distinctly by him.
The further he walked in, the more frequently he smelled it.
Amidst the mix of various vegetable and food aromas, it appeared rather mottled. Anyone unfamiliar with the medicinal herb Yun Tan, even doctors in the capital or imperial physicians, might not detect anything amiss amid so many scents.
But Chu Heng was too familiar with this scent, so much so that he identified it as soon as he stepped through the door.
Yet he still showed nothing, even appearing aimless as he moved around.
Heshan kept watching his reactions, not wanting to miss a single detail.
But after making a round, he found nothing amiss with Chu Hengâs traces, not even reaching his expectations.
"Lord Chu, over here, itâs usually everyone taking turns to cook. To be honest, our culinary skills arenât great, and we really miss the vegetarian meals from Buddhist Light Temple. If thereâs a chance in the future, we hope to host you." Heshan said flatteringly.
Chu Heng acted as if he didnât catch the hint in his words and asked accordingly, "How does everyone take turns cooking usually?"
"Apart from this old monk, everyone else cooks together in the kitchen, doing what theyâre good at." Abbot Fengchen realized Chu Heng was asking him when he looked over and answered honestly.
Chu Heng acknowledged with a hum, indicating he understood.
At the same time, he casually lifted a pot lid, glancing at the remaining cabbage and tofu soup inside.
Heshan noticed him looking at the pot but not the rice jar behind him, his eyes flickering.
"Lord Chu, the vegetables here are grown in the nearby fields. We rely on the harvest for our meals and rarely go to the capital." Heshan seemed to be explaining that the entire Dewen Temple was innocent.
After hearing his words, Chu Heng followed suit, went to look at the vegetables on the cutting board, reached out, and casually picked up a few vegetables for a look.
In this posture, he was now back to back with Heshan.
A gleam of satisfaction flashed in Heshanâs eyes as he suddenly reached out and sprinkled powder towards him.
Abbot Fengchen saw his actions and was so frightened that he gasped, his eyes full of disapproval, wanting to reach out to stop him.
Yet Heshan, full of confidence, slapped his hand away, looking down upon Chu Heng condescendingly with arrogance, "Lord Chu, do you feel a bit dizzy, like the things in front of you are blurry?"
"Hmm, letâs sit down and have a good talk."
His tone in saying "have a good talk" was as if he was suggesting, "letâs have some fun."
"Heshan..." Abbot Fengchenâs hand holding the Buddha beads trembled slightly. He looked at Heshan with a face full of conflict, clearly disapproving of what he was doing, yet couldnât resist advising, "Turn back before itâs too late."
"Enough talking, Lord Chu, werenât you wanting to find out where the medicine is? I could tell you, but sadly, you wonât have the chance to know the truth."
Heshanâs voice was filled with glee.
Habitually using a contemptuous gaze to look at him.
Yet didnât notice, while he was speaking.