Qi Zhenzhen changed her clothes and led Qi Xuanxuan to Da Qin Shi's room.
As soon as they sat down, a monk came to deliver vegetarian meals.
"The vegetarian meals at Taihe Temple are famous far and wide," Da Qin Shi said with a smile. "You don't need to be so reserved when you're out. You don't need to be served. You should go and try some too."
Da Qin Shi dismissed all the attendants.
"It's rare to get out, and there aren't so many rules. Let's be as comfortable as we can," Da Qin Shi explained, fearing that Qi Zhenzhen and Qi Xuanxuan might have reservations.
In their daily lives, Qi Zhenzhen would do things herself whenever possible. As for Qi Xuanxuan, she had even been forced to serve others before. Therefore, they were very adaptable to not having anyone serve them.
The silky smooth tofu, the verdant vegetable hearts, the thick congee, the shredded salted vegetables drizzled with sesame oil, and a glistening red dish that looked like braised pork but was actually vegetarian mock meat.
The color, aroma, and taste were all enticing, making one's appetite surge.
Especially the sweet soup after the meal, chilled in the well, was sweet and cool. A sip of it completely dispelled the summer heat from the body.
Qi Zhenzhen found the food very palatable, Qi Xuanxuan also thought it was good, and Da Qin Shi ate half a bowl more than usual.
This life was truly pleasant.
"The sun is setting now, shall we go for a stroll?" Da Qin Shi suggested.
They had eaten a bit too much, so a short walk would help digestion, otherwise, they might not sleep well at night.
Qi Zhenzhen called Er Xi to accompany them. Taihe Temple was quite famous, attracting many pilgrims and overnight guests. Qi Zhenzhen had her own means of self-protection, but the other two did not, so it was better to be cautious.
"There's a large grove of Albizia trees on the back mountain, and it's the blooming season right now," Da Qin Shi said, leading the way and introducing the surroundings, as she was very familiar with Taihe Temple.
Qi Xuanxuan loved flowers and plants, and her interest was piqued. She lifted her skirt and quickened her pace.
"Be careful, the road is uneven," Qi Zhenzhen cautioned.
"Second Sister, don't worry, I'm steady on my feet," Qi Xuanxuan replied dismissively.
With such a lively personality, if she were to marry according to strict conventions and be confined to a wealthy household for the rest of her life, how could Xuanxuan remain so vibrant?
Therefore, the slightest hesitation in Qi Zhenzhen's heart also dissipated.
Even if Xuanxuan and A Mu'er did not end up together, she would do her best to help her find a marriage that would allow her to live freely and happily.
"Madam, be careful." A gentle, deep voice interrupted Qi Zhenzhen's thoughts. At the same time, a snake, entirely green, fell from a nearby tree. Its head was already bloody and mangled, and its body was still wriggling slowly.
Da Qin Shi screamed, and Qi Xuanxuan, who was walking ahead, turned pale with fright.
Er Xi quickly moved to shield Qi Zhenzhen and Da Qin Shi, warily watching the man who had just spoken.
Their group consisted entirely of women. The sudden appearance of a strange man, even if he had just intervened to save them, could not stop Er Xi from being vigilant. Who knew what this man's intentions were?
Da Qin Shi was still shaken, and Qi Zhenzhen quietly comforted her. After a while, when the trembling stopped, Da Qin Shi's expression changed again as she looked up at the man standing not far from them.
Da Qin Shi recognized the man who had acted, and their acquaintance was more than just a simple one.
"Mother, are you alright?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Da Qin Shi came back to her senses. "I'm a bit tired. Let's come and admire the flowers another day."
With that, she walked past the man and left in a hurry.
Qi Zhenzhen said a word of thanks, then called out to Qi Xuanxuan. Er Xi followed at the end, still watching the man warily. Seeing that he remained standing there without moving, she quickly caught up with Qi Zhenzhen and the others.
Da Qin Shi almost ran back to the guest room, her mind in a jumble, unable to think.
One voice kept echoing in her mind: Why had he returned?