A question popped into Xiao Wu’s mind. ’See someone? Who?’

But the thought was fleeting. A wave of exhaustion washed over her, and she soon tilted her head and drifted off to sleep.

...

The next day, when a Little Monk came with an invitation, Xiao Wu finally learned who her sister had said she was going to see.

Master Shiyuan.

Hearing the name, Xiao Wu froze. She had a vague feeling she’d heard it somewhere before, but she couldn’t quite recall where.

It wasn’t until she followed her sister to the meditation room and saw the kind-faced, benevolent-looking old man in gray robes that her confusion deepened.

’She’d really never met him before!’

She had an excellent memory. If she had met someone, she would never forget them. But this man was a complete stranger to her.

Ye Chutang came to a stop, pressed her palms together, and bowed respectfully. "Master Shiyuan."

The old man chanted "Amitabha Buddha," his gaze on Ye Chutang both kind and filled with emotion.

"Second Miss Ye, I trust you’ve been well." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Xiao Wu’s eyes widened. ’He really does know my sister!’

A faint smile touched Ye Chutang’s lips. "It’s been three years, Master. You haven’t changed at all. I’m afraid my return this time has caused you trouble, however."

Master Shiyuan sighed softly.

"I have heard of the recent events in the capital. You have truly been through a great deal, Second Miss Ye. What little I’ve done is merely a trifling effort, hardly worth mentioning."

Ye Chutang thanked him sincerely.

"I never intended to drag you into these conflicts. This was a measure of last resort."

Master Shiyuan ran his fingers over his Buddha Beads. "Three years ago, Second Miss Ye, you saved the people of an entire region from the suffering of a plague. Your merit is immeasurable. If I can be of assistance, I will naturally do everything in my power."

At these words, it was as if a light went on in Xiao Wu’s head. She finally remembered who this man was!

Fourth Brother had told her that when her sister had led them south during their escape, they passed through a place ravaged by plague. Her sister had stayed there for some time, writing prescriptions to treat the sick and save the populace.

Her sister had met many people there, and he was one of them!

But that had been a long time ago, and Fourth Brother rarely spoke of it. If it weren’t for Xiao Wu’s good memory, she likely wouldn’t have any recollection of it at all.

Ye Chutang’s smile widened. "I’m afraid I’ll have to impose on you for a while longer. I hope you don’t find us too much of a nuisance."

In truth, when she left the Capital City yesterday, she had no intention of returning.

After visiting Jiuhua Mountain to pay respects to her father, mother, and elder brother, she had diverted her course to Feiyun Temple.

Outsiders speculated that she was doing this to avoid Ye Shixian, but the real reason was more fundamental—now that Ye Heng’s case was settled and matters were temporarily concluded, it was time to relocate her family’s graves.

She had chosen the date long ago. Everything was simply proceeding according to her plan.

Master Shiyuan readily agreed.

"The temple’s accommodations are simple. If you require anything, Second Miss Ye, please just inform Chen Xin."

Chen Xin was the Little Monk who had come to fetch them.

Ye Chutang’s eyes curved into a smile. "This is a rare, peaceful place. Xiao Wu and I both like it very much. Besides, compared to how we lived a few years ago, this is already a great luxury. How could we possibly complain?"

Master Shiyuan recalled the first time he had met Ye Chutang, and he was filled with deep emotion.

Who could have imagined that the sallow, emaciated young girl from back then, who looked as though a gust of wind could knock her over, would become the figure she was today—one who could so easily stir up a storm in the Capital City?

Only her eyes remained the same—jet-black, clear, and filled with a calm composure.

Master Shiyuan paused for a moment before asking, "It seems you have already chosen a day, Second Miss Ye?"

Ye Chutang nodded.

"The ninth day of the ninth month."

The Double Ninth Festival. An auspicious day.