The Exiled Villainess and Her Shopping Dimension

Chapter 235

"Thank you, Eldest Young Miss Wei. This child is indeed very fortunate. He was born at the perfect time; otherwise, I might have been falsely accused," Yueqian responded happily, even speaking about her child’s luck herself.

She didn’t hold the same beliefs as others. As long as it was her and Mu Heng’s child, Yueqian was happy and believed that he would undoubtedly be the luckiest child. He would be born to a mother who loved him dearly, a father who loved him and his family just as much. Compared to others in these harsh times, his life would likely be very good.

"Indeed, just being born can cause his mother to be slandered," Wei Mudan persisted. Yueqian didn’t tire of responding to the other party along the way. It seemed she found some amusement in debating with someone like Wei Mudan, who thought she had everything under control.

"Miss Wei, you are mistaken. He has been in the womb for three months without any issues. This incident occurred solely because of someone’s greed. Seeing something that isn’t theirs, they covet it, whether it be power, wealth, or anything else. That is the true cause. Today, it’s good that we, along with Miss Wei, are visiting the temple. Perhaps the Bodhisattva will guide us on the right path and teach us to abandon greed and selfishness."

The beautiful woman smiled nonchalantly and spoke about the temple visit and prayers they were on their way to offer. Anyone unaware of the underlying issues would surely admire her. Even when her unborn child was called unlucky earlier, she still managed to correct the situation with a smile.

However, those who understood the deeper context would know exactly what Yueqian’s words meant. Wasn’t she indirectly slapping Wei Mudan in the face?

If you looked closely, it was clear that Miss Wei had an interest in Governor Mu. Since she was born, she had never approached a man like this before, and her clear attempts to deal with Furen Mu were obvious. When Furen Mu spoke of visiting the temple to help everyone abandon greed for what wasn’t theirs, wasn’t she rebuking Miss Wei?

Wei Mudan wasn’t a fool. Upon hearing those words, her usually calm face showed clear traces of hatred. In truth, she wanted to order her servants to grab this impertinent woman and beat her a few times. If it weren’t for the fact that they were in the public eye, surrounded by high-ranking women and powerful men at such a grand event, she would have taken action to teach Yueqian a lesson right then and there.

"Watch your words," came a harsh voice, different from usual. Wei Mudan was often like this, but her initial greeting to Mu Heng and her jab at Yueqian seemed out of character.

After issuing her threat, Wei Mudan left, afraid she might lose control and act against this arrogant foreign woman. Seeing her demeanor, Yueqian shook her head slightly, sighed again at the thought of the Second Prince’s consort. It seemed they were truly alike. Although the consort of the Second Prince was the eager daughter of Master Gui Zhong, her arrogance was excessive. Otherwise, Yueqian would have felt more comfortable collaborating with her.

After Wei Mudan left, people around them couldn’t stop thinking about their conversation earlier. Many started discussing it until it became widely known. People were aware of the verbal sparring and hostility between them. Many felt satisfied that someone from the Du Region was finally being punished. They had only recently settled in the Bai Region yet had already gained significant prestige. Many nobles had lost opportunities for power, wealth, or other benefits due to their accomplishments.

Some had even hoarded food, refusing to release it, hoping that when a real epidemic struck, they could sell their stockpiles and make huge profits.

But when Governor Mu returned with a cure and ample medicinal herbs to support the treatment, they suffered losses instead. When ordering such a large quantity of goods, not only did they have to pay a slightly higher price than usual, but there were also a lot of operating costs involved. Engaging in business that affected those in power around them meant they had to pay bribes to keep everyone quiet. If someone were to complain about what they did, they might be at fault instead.

Therefore, when paying such a sum of money, everyone who received bribes shared responsibility. Ultimately, it was a significant financial investment. Unexpectedly, before they could even sell a single piece of the goods, the crisis had already resolved. Furthermore, it resulted in a significant loss for them.

Naturally, they couldn’t publicly complain and bring ruin upon themselves. They could only nurse their grievances in silence, waiting for an opportunity to strike back. And now, that opportunity had arrived.

Those who had conflicts with a powerful family like the Wei family—did they think that they could escape their influence? Moreover, they didn’t antagonize just anyone; instead, they targeted someone as significant as Miss Wei, whose mother held the position of Honored Furen. If they hadn’t seized that opportunity to take satisfaction, when would they have gotten another chance?!

Despite everything, the couple from a foreign land felt no fear. They were most concerned about the child in Yueqian’s womb; other matters were not worth their attention.

Their journey was neither too fast nor too slow. Soon, the men and women had to separate to offer their prayers. The men met with the master monk and other clergy to listen to sermons. This temple was known for a particularly skilled monk. If he chose to help, he would offer beneficial advice. Even so, this monk was like a ghost who did not appear regularly. At times, even the emperor could not meet him when he came in person.

A monk practicing asceticism, he sought to avoid too much involvements with people and power, desiring only peaceful moments to further his spiritual practice towards nirvana. Nevertheless, when there was a disaster that he had to reach out, he would emerge to give important warnings. Matters concerning the state would always receive his assistance. Otherwise, why would the Emperor decree that everyone should come to this temple?

Today, unexpectedly, the monk stood calmly waiting even before the men entered the temple. His face was as serene as ever—calm and composed, like clear, cool, flowing water, pleasant to look at. Yet, it felt as if he existed in a different world. Many looked at the monk with reverence.

"Greetings, Venerable Monk," the Crown Prince said first. The Second Prince and others followed when they realized their situation, as if they were being reminded to return to their senses. They greeted the monk and brought their hands together in respect.

The monk seemed indifferent, whether they paid their respects or not. His eyes scanned the crowd briefly, then he gestured for everyone to enter.

"Please, come in." As he finished saying, he turned to walk inside. However, as others began to move, he turned again and pointed towards Mu Heng standing at the back.

Entering the temple was not something just anyone could do. Only high-ranking nobles, princes, and their entourage were allowed inside. Others had to wait outside to avoid overcrowding. Thus, Mu Heng, not being from here originally and without a high position, stood where he was. If he hadn’t been singled out, no one would have noticed his intention to sneak away to check on his wife out of concern.

Unfortunately, all eyes were on him now. The wise monk looked at him warmly before speaking.

"Master Mu, please come as well." After saying this, he then immediately walked inside, leaving everyone buzzing with surprise.

Who would have thought that this revered monk would know the name of the Governor of Red Earth City, who had only recently come to the Bai Region? Moreover, the monk made it clear that he wanted to speak with this man surnamed Mu. Since knowing the monk, no one had ever seen him invite someone for a conversation like this.

Perhaps if the Emperor himself or the Wang were here, they might feel slighted. Who would have known that they had wanted to see the priest many times? Sometimes they would even sit and pray for half the night and still not meet him. If they had the chance to meet him one day, they would only ask a few questions. If the monk had something to say, he would; if not, he would remain silent. This had been the pattern since the previous Emperor’s reign.

Today’s behavior was unusual, leading many to believe that the monk had come out specifically to call Mu Heng inside.

It wasn’t just the people of the Bai Region who were curious; even Mu Heng raised his eyebrows in surprise. He didn’t know why the other party called him. He only knew superficially from what others said that t the monk was mysterious and seemed to know everything, even the fate of heaven and earth. However, Mu Heng didn’t know if this was true or exaggerated. Regardless, he didn’t care about such fate. If it turned out to be something bad, wouldn’t he just be branded with a bad fate and be forced to follow that path?

That was impossible. If fate suggested that his life would be dire, then he would just change it on his own. Mu Heng did not dare challenge the heavens, as long as it ensured the happiness of him and his family.

It was still unclear why he had been summoned, so Mu Heng walked with the others, staying at the end of the line to avoid drawing more attention. Even so, the high-ranking officials were already more displeased with him, and the Crown Prince openly scoffed at him. Only the Second Prince looked full of worry.

He didn’t know why Mu Heng was being called like this. What did the monk want to discuss with him? If the monk suddenly claimed that Mu Heng would be the downfall of the Bai Region, wouldn’t he, as a prince allied with Mu Heng, be damaged by such rumors?

The monk led everyone inside. He was the first to light incense. Once everyone had paid their respects to the main Buddha image, the monk took up a prayer bead necklace, closed his eyes, and meditated.

At such a time, no one dared to disturb him. Everyone almost held their breath to avoid making any noise. This display by the monk made everyone believe it was a connection between heaven and earth. Interrupting it might provoke wrath. Thus, the only sounds were the soft "click" "click" of the prayer beads.

The monk opened his eyes. Some people even imagined they saw a green glow emanate from his eyes before it vanished, leaving behind clear, bright eyes. He looked at the two princes with a calm expression, as if he could see through everyone’s thoughts.

"Both of you are of royal blood. You must put the people first. The opportunity ahead cannot truly be called an opportunity. Opportunities always come with crises. Consider carefully what to choose for the Region that is your homeland." When he finished speaking, his gaze fell on the Crown Prince, as if he knew exactly what the other party was planning.

This made the Crown Prince flinch slightly, though his thick skin allowed him to maintain a facade of normalcy. The monk looked at him for a moment before shaking his head, showing that he could do no more. If not for the fact that the other party was of royal lineage, he wouldn’t have said anything. The prince’s future was bleak; if he continued to provoke someone else’s anger any longer, perhaps he wouldn’t have to wait until the time of the throne struggle.

Even so, the monk could not interfere much with the fate of heaven and earth. What he saw was vague and uncertain. This had been the case for the past 20 years. Before that, he had seen events unfolding with great clarity, no matter whose life path it was. The visions he had were always certain that something would definitely happen. If he wanted to help now, he could only do so by deepening his own cultivation.

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