On the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, the Mid - Autumn Festival, it is a good day for family reunions, for visiting temples, and... for catching an affair?
The Sheng Guo Temple was bustling with people. Carriages and horses jammed the roads. When the ladies and young misses who knew each other met, they greeted each other and cheerfully wished that all the young masters in their families would pass the imperial examinations.
It was not yet time for rest. The front yard was lively, so the meditation rooms in the back yard were naturally very quiet. But from the most secluded and desolate corner of the meditation rooms, there faintly came some heart - pounding gasps. From time to time, there were also some low voices, full of vulgar words.
"Aunt, cousin. Today is the 15th, and cousin is much better. Let's stop thinking about those annoying things and just enjoy ourselves."
Qiao Yan held one of them by each arm. Pretending not to know anything, the three of them led a large group of people towards that secluded corner.
"I heard that there is an ancient well in the back yard of the Sheng Guo Temple. It has been there for over a hundred years. The water in it is very spiritual. Drinking it can not only keep you healthy and free from diseases but also keep you young. I spent a lot of effort finding out about this. We'll all take a sip later and take some back. It's like bringing some good fortune to our families."
"Good,"
Qiao Yiting was the first to respond. She said with a smile, "You're such a filial child."
Then she gave a look to those behind her, signaling them to surround the room where there were faint noises. But on her lips, she said,
"Let two servants go and fetch the water. We've walked for so long and are tired. Let's find a place to rest first."
"You," Qiao Yiting pretended to give orders, "go and fetch the water. You guys, go and find some seats."
"Yes."
Several maids and servants answered in unison. However, they all rushed straight to the closed door.
These servants were carefully selected by Qiao Yan. They were all loyal and strong servants from the Marquis Changming's Mansion. When they reached the door, the two in the front glanced at each other, then kicked the door open with a "bang!"
"Ah!"
Several panicked and frightened screams rang out almost simultaneously. The people inside obviously hadn't had time to separate, and all the details were clearly seen by those outside.
Even though Qiao Yan and the others were mentally prepared, the sight of the three naked bodies entangled with each other and the scene of debauchery and disorder still shocked them greatly.
Especially since Qiao Yan was an unmarried girl. Qiao Yiting spat and quickly covered Qiao Yan's eyes. She scolded,
"What a sin! In broad daylight, in a Buddhist temple, the Luo family is so shameless!"
Su Xin was even more shocked and disgusted. She sneered,
"Zhou Qingqing? No wonder Luo Ji can't wait to stay in your room every day. You're just a slut! You two are really a perfect match!"
"Quick, someone! Go and invite the ladies in the front yard to come and see. Let's see the young master and his concubine of the Luo family..."
"No!"
"Don't go!"
Luo Ji and Zhou Qingqing shouted in horror at the same time.
Yu Quan was originally in the prostitution business. Although he was a bit surprised, he didn't show much reaction. But Luo Ji and Zhou Qingqing were already scared out of their wits and as pale as ghosts. Now hearing that Su Xin was going to call people, they quickly wrapped their clothes and crawled over on their knees to plead with them:
"Madam, we've been married for so many years. As the saying goes, one day of marriage means a hundred days of kindness. Madam, you mustn't call people. If others see this, I... I'm finished..."
Zhou Qingqing also wrapped her clothes and knelt over. She cried,
"Sister, sister... Please. Xiaobao is still young. How can he face people in the future? You're also a mother. Please, for the sake of the child, be merciful, sister. I... I'll be obedient from now on and won't fight with you for anything. Please, sister..."
"Ugh, get lost!"
Qiao Yan had already broken free from Qiao Yiting's hand. She scolded angrily,
"Don't disgust us! Have you already forgotten how the Luo family treated my sister? A whole house of dirty people. Do you still want my sister to stay in your Luo family?!"
"I'm telling you, it's impossible! Today, I'll not only expose your scandal, but my sister will also divorce you! She'll never step into your Luo family again!"
"No!"
Luo Ji's face changed drastically. He knew Qiao Yan's temper well. She would do what she said. Immediately, regardless of his own shame, he knelt in front of Qiao Yan and grabbed the corner of her skirt, trying to find excuses by claiming kinship:
"Cousin Qiao! Cousin, you can't do this. It's my fault. I'm worse than a beast and didn't cherish my wife. But cousin, think about Lian Yi. She's still a daughter of the Luo family. If the Luo family is finished, so is Lian Yi."
"Humph—"
Qiao Yan snorted and shook off his dirty hand. She sneered,
"As long as my sister divorces you, Lian Yi will be a daughter of our Su family. She has nothing to do with you!"
"Miss Qiao,"
As a woman, Zhou Qingqing immediately understood what they really wanted from their conversation. She immediately stepped forward and cried,
"From ancient times to the present, there has never been a case of a wife divorcing her husband. It's not something that can be easily done. If sister doesn't want to stay in the Luo family anymore..."
Zhou Qingqing turned to look at Luo Ji beside her and pleaded,
"Just have a peaceful divorce with your husband."
Luo Ji immediately understood.
In this situation, the best choice was to calm them down first. Anyway, there were no other outsiders here. He could go back on his word later.
Luo Ji immediately turned to Su Xin beside him and vowed,
"Yes, yes. A peaceful divorce, madam. Didn't you always want to take Lian Yi away? She can go with you. I'll talk to my parents..." Finally, seeing that their expressions seemed to soften, he added more chips, "Not only Lian Yi, but also your dowry. I'll return all your dowry to you."
"As long as... as long as you keep this matter a secret and don't say a single word, I'll give you whatever you want."
They glanced at each other. They didn't expect they could get all the dowry back. The faint joy in their eyes was almost impossible to hide.
Finally, Qiao Yiting, as the elder, spoke,
"Since you're so sincere and have been married to our Xin'er for so many years, there must be some affection after all. So we'll give you some face."
"However, a promise without written evidence is unreliable. You may change your mind when we get back. Since you want a peaceful divorce, write it now. Write down all the terms you've promised clearly to avoid any disputes later. Do you agree?"
Luo Ji was stunned. He didn't expect them to be so thoughtful. But now he was in a difficult situation and had to grit his teeth and agree.
Soon a servant went to borrow a writing brush and ink, and quickly wrote the divorce agreement. Both sides signed it and made their marks with rouge.
After all this busyness, there were gradually more voices in the back yard.
Su Xin carefully put away the divorce agreement. She exchanged glances with her mother and Qiao Yan, said a few warning words to Luo Ji, and then was about to leave.
Luo Ji and Zhou Qingqing both heaved a sigh of relief. Their pale faces finally regained some color.
But suddenly they heard some voices getting closer and closer:
"Spiritual Lady, is the well water really that miraculous?"