Pastry

The answers provided by Yu Ming and Yu Yan didn't surprise Qiu Che.

They had been following their hired teachers—one studying arithmetic and the other martial arts—both showing some promise.

Before leaving the Qiu family, Qiu Che made a visit to the Hanlin Academy.

It was her first day as a new official, mostly filled with trivial onboarding matters. However, as the top scorer of the imperial examinations, she could feel the many gazes directed her way.

She was merely reporting for duty, but upon announcing her name, she was given strange looks. Only then did she learn that her father had come the day before to request leave on her behalf.

Qiu Chudong claimed she had committed a grave mistake and was punished to spend a month at Ganyu Temple outside the city, praying for blessings. During this time, all official documents would be forwarded through him.

The matter had already been stamped and approved, even passing through Prime Minister Wu's desk, making it irrevocable.

Only then did Qiu Che recall that before becoming Minister of Rites in her past life, the laws had not yet been strictly enforced and still adhered to the old system of the previous dynasty.

The old law stated: "In the absence of an imperial decree, a father's word is law."

In other words, even if Qiu Che claimed she was capable of reporting for duty, Qiu Chudong could return another day as her father and create another uproar. Without her consent, she would be immediately expelled from the Hanlin Academy.

In the Great Xia Dynasty, paternal authority was as deeply entrenched as imperial power in the law.

Fortunately, Qiu Che still remembered the political landscape from ten years ago. Not having to report for duty wasn't so bad, and she could enjoy some leisure time.

Before leaving the capital, however, she submitted a memorial to the throne.

If the emperor was truly eager to seek out talent, he would understand the implications of her memorial.

But memorials had to pass through the Hanlin Academy, the Ministry of Rites, and Prime Minister Wu's office for review. Considering Wu's overwhelming authority, whether her memorial would even reach the emperor's hands was purely a matter of luck.

Upon hearing that she was being sent to the temple for prayer rather than being exiled, Madam Wang breathed a sigh of relief and insisted on staying behind.

As a woman who had spent her entire life in the confines of the household, Madam Wang was accustomed to the quiet and didn't wish to travel.

After some thought, Qiu Che didn't push further.

After all, her salary had yet to arrive. With Madam Wang's frail health, following her to live at the temple would be more of a hardship than a blessing.

Though, compared to life in the Qiu household, it might still be more comfortable—at least she wouldn't have to do laundry or cook every day.

But since Madam Wang was resolute, Qiu Che didn't rush and simply left the Qiu residence that very night.

She brought only Yu Ming and Yu Yan, along with two bundles, as she left. Without a horse, she even extorted some silver from her father to hire a carriage.

Her implication was clear: "The journey is far, and if you won't let me use the family's carriage, I'll simply stay put."

Qiu Chudong's face darkened with anger, but to quickly rid himself of this "plague," he begrudgingly handed over the money.

When the carriage leisurely arrived at Ganyu Temple, the only person to greet her was a young monk.

This was to be expected. The Qiu family was no longer a prominent household, and Ganyu Temple often hosted imperial relatives and nobility. There was no reason for them to make a grand reception for an illegitimate child of the Qiu family.

Even if she was currently the most talked-about top scorer in the capital.

After exchanging pleasantries, the young monk, Liao Chan, led the way.

As they passed one of the temple courtyards, the doors suddenly opened, and two maidservants stepped out, followed by a figure.

The person wore a veiled bamboo hat, obscuring their face with coarse gauze. However, their slender frame, dressed in a pale yellow and green long dress with tassels swaying at the waist, exuded elegance and poise.

Even without seeing her face, it was clear she was well-mannered and of noble upbringing.

Qiu Che found her somewhat familiar, as if she had seen her before. She couldn't help but steal a few more glances.

The young monk quickly whispered, "Miss Qiu, that is an esteemed guest from the palace. Please don't be disrespectful."

The two maidservants had already noticed her gaze and glared at her with hostility.

Someone… from the palace?

Qiu Che's eyes flickered slightly.

She retracted her gaze and politely bowed in apology, preparing to leave, but a soft voice called out.

"Wait a moment."

The voice was gentle and calm, like a spring breeze or a light drizzle.

Everyone stopped in their tracks.

Qiu Che turned back, raising an eyebrow.

The veiled woman seemed to glance briefly in her direction before avoiding direct eye contact. Then, in a soft tone, she asked, "Who might this gentleman be?"

"My surname is Qiu, and my given name is Che."

"Ah, Master Qiu," she murmured, as if to herself. Then, she added, "So, you are the renowned top scorer recently celebrated in the capital. Truly impressive… May I ask what brings you to Ganyu Temple today?"

"Family matters are best kept private," Qiu Che replied with a smile. "But I'll be staying at Ganyu Temple for a month. If I happen to disturb you, I ask for your understanding."

"It's no bother." Li Qingwu raised a hand, signaling her maidservants to remain silent. "Meeting is fate. If you have free time, you are welcome to visit my courtyard."

It was a courteous remark, and Qiu Che understood that.

She nodded and casually asked, "May I know your name?"

Li Qingwu paused briefly before resting her hand on her maidservant's arm. In a low voice, she replied, "My surname is Yue."

After Li Qingwu and her maidservants left, Liao Chan let out a sigh of relief. "Miss Qiu, your room is just ahead… but I advise you not to interact too much with that young lady."

Qiu Che snapped out of her thoughts. "Why?"

"Amitabha," Liao Chan glanced around before quietly explaining, "She is here to pray, copy scriptures, and reflect. It seems she offended someone of importance in the palace… If you don't want trouble, it's best to keep your distance."

Qiu Che nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Thank you for the reminder."

The young monk chanted a Buddhist prayer and said no more.

As expected, in the three days following her arrival at Ganyu Temple, no official documents were sent her way.

Qiu Chudong had done this deliberately.

However, since the documents were piling up on him, it saved Qiu Che a lot of work. If there were consequences later, it would be Qiu Chudong's fault.

Taking advantage of his own missteps to make him suffer brought Qiu Che no small amount of joy.

For three days, she stayed in her room, reading books and legal texts, revisiting the current political and legal landscape, and carving small wooden sculptures for amusement.

Woodworking had been a hobby of hers in the past, with lotus flowers being her specialty. Whether it was lotus lamps or lotus boxes, her skills were unparalleled.

However, it had been a long time since she last practiced, and she was a bit rusty.

One day, Yu Ming noticed her carving and curiously asked, "Miss, you know how to do this?"

Qiu Che replied casually, "Do you want one? I'll make one for you."

She had made a pile of them, storing them in a box. Seeing that she wasn't just being polite, Yu Ming accepted one after a bit of hesitation.

Yu Yan, upon noticing, eagerly asked for some as well.

Qiu Che generously gave her two.

A few more days passed, and her quiet life was finally interrupted.

One morning, just as she got up, there was a knock at her door.

Opening it, she found a familiar maidservant holding a tray. The maidservant respectfully said, "Master Qiu, apologies for the disturbance. My lady has instructed me to bring you some pastries made by the temple kitchen. Please enjoy them."

Qiu Che glanced at the beautifully packaged box of mung bean cakes, momentarily silent.

The maidservant, observing her reaction, added, "My lady said that if you don't accept the pastries, then perhaps you would join her for tea instead. Surely, you wouldn't refuse that?"

"…"

This was the first time Qiu Che had stepped out of her room since arriving at Ganyu Temple.

With Yu Ming and Yu Yan occupied with their studies, she was left without attendants. Thus, she went alone to meet the invitation.

As she walked, following the maidservant, she reflected on the peculiarities of her rebirth.

In this life, she had not bowed her head to please Qiu Chudong, leading to an early falling-out and her subsequent relocation to Ganyu Temple.

This was an outcome of her rebirth—something not present in her memories.

Having severed ties with Qiu Chudong, she was uncertain if future events would unfold as they had in her previous life.

Why did Li Qingwu coincidentally appear in front of the Qiu residence that day and even escort her to the Imperial City?

She didn't believe that Fu Feng would be so kind, a member of the Jin Yi Wei, who would casually help a scholar standing by the roadside.

So, it must have been Li Qingwu's order.

— This was also something that never happened in her past life.

But at that time, Qiu Che had only been reborn for two days and hadn't had the time to do anything. Clearly, it wasn't the butterfly effect she brought about.

So why, then?

She had never seen these two maidservants around Li Qingwu before, so she wasn't sure if the woman wearing a hood was Li Qingwu.

Could it be some young concubine who had made a mistake?

There were indeed many concubines in the palace of this size and age.

But someone with such grace, Qiu Che could only think of Li Qingwu.

But if it were her, what mistake could she have made to be punished by being sent here to copy scriptures and reflect?

Wasn't it said that Emperor Jingxuan favored this eldest daughter the most?

But if it wasn't Li Qingwu, why did the girl's voice sound so much like hers?

Could it be her twin sister from outside the palace?

Qiu Che couldn't help but laugh at her own thoughts.

Before she could finish, the maid in front stopped and turned sideways, saying, "Young Master, my young lady is in the courtyard. Please come in."

Qiu Che's thoughts were interrupted, and she instinctively looked up. Beneath the peach blossom tree, she saw a graceful figure sitting there.

As she looked up at the tree, the veil was lifted by the spring breeze, revealing half of a fair, delicate cheek.

It was like a fleeting glance of a swan in flight.

Qiu Che only paused for a moment, then quickly realized something was wrong. Her fingers instinctively curled slightly.

— In this courtyard, at least a dozen martial experts were hidden.

She pondered for a moment, then shook her head, thinking, forget it.

What if it was Li Qingwu?

What if it wasn't?

This person was just like in her past life, impossible to understand.

...But that no longer had anything to do with her.

"Miss Yue."

Qiu Che reached the tree but did not sit down. Instead, she cupped her hands in greeting, saying, "I wonder why you've had someone bring me here, Miss? Is there something I can assist with?"

"Didn't Yingchun tell you?" The woman's tone slightly rose, seemingly confused. "I invited you here to taste tea."

"I admire your talents, Young Master, and would like to make your acquaintance. It's a pity it's not a time for blessings, so I can't leave this courtyard."

Li Qingwu sighed softly and then poured her a cup of tea, gesturing for her to sit.

Her movements were smooth and graceful, clearly practiced.

At this point, Qiu Che had no choice but to sit down, though she didn't take the tea.

She calmly said, "I'm grateful for your kind regard, but I have urgent matters to attend to…"

A favor without reason is either deceitful or suspicious.

Qiu Che had no interest in sitting here sipping tea and admiring flowers.

Li Qingwu paused for a moment.

Qiu Che subtly tightened her fingers, almost thinking she would be angry.

But Li Qingwu only sighed lightly and said, "To be honest, when I first saw you, I felt we were fated to meet... I have spent most of my life in seclusion, with no chance to meet others, and I have no friends. It's rare for me to admire someone, yet I didn't expect you to be so resistant…"

As she spoke, she glanced at Qiu Che, then fell silent, saying gently, "Never mind, fate can't be forced. Since you're not interested and have matters to attend to, you may leave."

"I've troubled you, Young Master, and hope you won't take offense."

After she finished speaking, Qiu Che froze.

If it were a scolding or reprimand, Qiu Che wouldn't have minded. After all, she had been immersed in government affairs for years, having seen countless officials with thunderous anger, never flinching or feeling inferior.

But she was most afraid of people who seemed very reasonable, yet were too insistent on being reasonable.

A typical case of yielding to softness but not hardness.

Hearing Li Qingwu's slightly sorrowful tone, Qiu Che fell silent, forcing herself to stand up and bid farewell stiffly.

Just as she reached the door, she patted her waist and realized her jade pendant was missing—

It wasn't anything important, and she couldn't even remember where it had come from. She only knew it had a lotus flower on it, so it must have been her work.

Before her marriage in her past life, she had always kept this jade pendant at the bottom of the box. Then, on the night of her wedding, Li Qingwu saw it and asked why she wasn't wearing it. What did she say in response?

Qiu Che didn't remember, only recalling that for the next ten years, this jade pendant became a habit, always hanging at her side.

The night she died, the jade pendant was shattered into pieces.

Li Qingwu squatted on the ground, picking it up bit by bit, not leaving even the smallest shard.

Then she buried it with Qiu Che's body.

So, this life, as soon as she was reborn, she hadn't found the jade pendant and felt a little uncomfortable, so she immediately searched and found it.

At this point, she suddenly had a doubt.

On their wedding night, she had asked Li Qingwu to change clothes, so she opened the box.

There weren't many ornaments inside, but enough, and the jade pendant was just one of them.

Why did Li Qingwu single out this jade pendant and ask about it?

These thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant.

Qiu Che shook her head and turned to leave, her steps lighter.

Just then, she heard Li Qingwu, sitting under the tree, still in the same position, looking at the two cups of tea that had hardly been touched. She whispered to the maid Yingchun, "Didn't he accept the mung bean cake?"

Yingchun, standing nearby, lowered her head and replied, "No, Miss."

"Forget it…"

Li Qingwu's sigh seemed to float into Qiu Che's heart.

She paused for a moment, murmuring, "Perhaps I'm too dull and boring to make friends."

"...That."

Qiu Che coughed softly and said, "Miss Yue, I seem to have left something behind."

Li Qingwu seemed to just notice her and quickly stood, bowing, "Would you like help?"

"No need," Qiu Che had already picked up the jade pendant from the weeds under the stone table, raising it slightly, "Thank you."

Li Qingwu nodded. As her veil fluttered, Qiu Che couldn't tell if her gaze lingered on the jade pendant or on herself.

She said, "Please take care. Yingchun, see off Young Master Qiu."

"No need." Qiu Che declined, noticing that Li Qingwu seemed to hesitate for a moment, a bit lonely.

She paused slightly and then added, "I wonder if that mung bean cake could still be sent to me?"

"Honestly, I ate very little this morning and am a bit hungry."

Li Qingwu immediately replied, "Of course."

Her tone brightened instantly, "If you like, I'll send you a portion every day… Don't worry, it's just some cakes, won't cost much."

Qiu Che couldn't help but smile.

How could someone be so emotional?

One moment, she was sad, and the next, she was happy just because Qiu Che mentioned wanting mung bean cake?

She couldn't help but smile again, waving the jade pendant in her hand, signaling her departure.

Li Qingwu gave a slight bow, her tone now more sincere, with a hint of lighthearted joy, "Take care, Young Master."

Qiu Che surprisingly noticed that because of Li Qingwu's change in tone, she had an unusually good mood all the way back.

Back at her residence, she slowly opened the food box.

The neatly arranged and beautifully made mung bean cakes were all decorated with blooming lotus flowers.

Like a hundred flowers in full bloom, exquisitely beautiful.

It looked familiar, Qiu Che thought.

Like… her lotus jade pendant.