Chapter 215 Goddess Heartless

Chapter 215: Chapter 215 Goddess Heartless

The back mountain of Songshan Temple.

Song Zhiyu led a few young nephews down the mountain. It was mealtime, and they were all hungry.

"Fourth Uncle, the scenery of Songshan Temple is not bad, and it’s quite cool here. No wonder the incense is so thriving," said Song Lingzhou. "I wonder how it compares to that Imperial Temple?"

Song Zhiyu replied, "It’s a matter of opinion. Songshan Temple attracts more common folk, so the incense is prosperous. The Imperial Temple, however, sees more high-ranking officials and nobles, with fewer commoners."

Commoners always hold reverence for nobles—they cannot afford to offend them.

"But I’ve seen many nobles at Songshan Temple too, like today. Isn’t it said that the Old Madam from the Prime Minister’s Mansion also came?"

"That’s because Master Jinghui resides at the temple. Master Jinghui is a high monk that even the Emperor respects, so it’s different." Song Zhiyu explained to the youngsters, "The master’s name was bestowed by the Emperor himself. Since the master is giving a lecture today, naturally, people came."

Song Lingzhou stuck out his tongue, "That’s really impressive."

Song Zhiyu thought to himself, impressive or not, he would never become a monk. He wanted to dive into the mortal world, roll around in the dust, and then just lie flat.

As he was about to speak, a conversation came from a narrow path.

Song Zhiyu, sharp of hearing and sight, looked through the trees. There was a man clad in purple with a jade crown on his head, accompanied by a young man in blue attire.

The faces seemed somewhat familiar.

"I totally understand, and I sympathize. Rest assured." The young man in blue spoke in a low voice, tinged with a faint sadness.

Song Zhiyu blinked.

"You’re really blaming me with those words," said the man in purple helplessly.

Oh, there’s gossip.

Song Zhiyu was about to take a closer look when he saw his little nephew slip and fall, quickly rushing to help him up. He scolded, "You little chubby one, can’t you walk more carefully? Are you hurt?"

"Fourth Uncle, my butt hurts," Song Lingzhou said, rubbing his backside with a grimace.

"Serves you right." Song Zhiyu poked his forehead and instructed the people behind to carry him. When he looked back at the bushes, those two had disappeared. Perhaps they sensed someone was there.

Song Zhiyu tilted his head but didn’t think much of it.

...

Song Ci was curious about how this matchmaking worked; she observed from the side, realizing it was just mutual commercial flattery followed by finding excuses to meet.

After the vegetarian meal, everyone held a cup of tea. A maid from Marquis Weiyuan’s residence reported that the eldest young master had arrived.

Song Ci froze for a moment, her eyes showing some excitement. The main person had arrived.

Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam said, "I reckon he’s here to escort me back home."

Madam Wei exchanged a knowing smile, "Your eldest young master must be a filial one."

"That’s about all he has going for him." Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam gave a faint smile.

Song Ci glanced over and felt there was some underlying meaning in that smile.

"Let the eldest young master come in to pay respects to the two Old Madams," Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam instructed the maid.

She couldn’t fathom why Song Ci behaved so unreasonably, staying there all this while. But then, she thought perhaps Madam Wei wanted to avoid others seeing, so she let her stay. If it failed, outsiders wouldn’t notice anything amiss.

Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam’s eyes flickered as she took a sip of tea, her gaze landing briefly on Wang Qiuman sitting behind Madam Wei.

The doorway darkened, and a young man appeared, walking in slowly.

Song Ci looked up, and upon seeing the man’s features, instinctively glanced towards Wang Qiuman.

Perhaps Wang Qiuman’s nature was reserved and composed, her expression remained unchanged. But Wei Wenyan, sitting beside her, had a flushed face.

A thought flickered in Song Ci’s mind—Old Madam Wei made a major matchmaking mistake by bringing an extra young lady.

The goddess was indifferent, but the sister of the goddess was moved.