Today is slightly chilly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But there''s no frost.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This year will definitely be a mild winter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian wore a white dress early in the morning, with thermal underwear underneath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On top, she had a padded dress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She dressed up a bit today because she''s going out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She misses her great-aunt, who should return after her elder sister''s hundred-day celebration.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Today, Qin Luoxia also tidied herself up a little.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She doesn''t like wearing white because it''s hard to keep clean, but today she''s also wearing all white.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Today, Mother is taking Cong Brother and her to the temple for a ritual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian guesses that Father hasn''t told Mother about Cong Brother''s true identity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because today''s temple visit is to perform a ritual for Cong Brother''s father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
ording to vige customs, after death, especially sudden or unnatural deaths rather than passing peacefully of old age, it''s best to go to the temple and perform a ritual to help the deceased''s soul find peace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Luoxia felt that when they visited the grave before, the incense suddenly fell over, giving her the impression that her elder brother had some unfulfilled wishes, so she felt they should go to the temple for a ritual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian would agree to whatever she wanted to do.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, household matters were under Xia-mei''s authority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So early in the morning, the whole family got ready and went to the temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They chose a famous temple, Tai''a Temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Tai''a Temple is quite renowned in the Capital City, known for its beautiful scenery, efficacy, and good reputation. It''s popr among officials'' families and not too far away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian knew that Father had been promoted to the fourth rank, which she originally thought wasn''t that high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But then she recalled:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In modern times, a department-level official is already quite impressive. There''s a saying that reaching department level requires not just hard work but also family background. A department head is already a big boss in a work unit. But converted to ancient times, a department-level official would only be seventh rank, a minor official.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Section-level here is ninth rank, so thinking about it this way, fourth rank is already super impressive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They can be a little bit arrogant now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They took a carriage all the way there, with Mianmian sitting in the carriage, enjoying the scenery and snacks leisurely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Sometimes she looked out the window; it was generally clean, and the Capital City overall seemed quite nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was grateful to have transmigrated here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If she had transmigrated to medieval Europe, she''d have to learn to wear high heels now, worried about stepping in excrement, and wear big Rococo-style dresses with wide skirts. When needing to urinate, she could just put a basin under her skirt and solve the problem on the spot, while still chatting andughing on the surface.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She''d also have to wear a wig, because people living in the upper floors of buildings would randomly dump their waste from above.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And she''d have to apply lead powder to her face to appear whiter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This... seems popr here too, people still use it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Last time she saw someone give Mother some whitening lead powder, she was shocked. The high rate of difficult childbirths among nobles here probably has something to do with using these things, as they''re quite harmful to the body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Along the way, she earnestly observed the red-tiled, yellow-walled houses, bluestone-paved roads, and advertising banners fluttering in the wind, which naturally formed a picturesque scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zi Congheng looked outside, watching the houses recede as if he were running.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Looking across, Jiang Xiaogui seemed lost in thought, unusually quiet for a moment, looking quite handsome.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Suddenly, Mianmian made a face at him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was startled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He watched as she put her hand in her mouth, stretching it open, sticking out her tongue, and rolling her eyes...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zi Congheng''s cheek twitched: "Don''te near me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He took out a handkerchief and handed it to her to wipe her hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmianughed out loud, hurting the enemy a thousand but injuring herself a thousand too, her mouth corners aching a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then there was another long period of silence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian pulled out a book that was ced in the carriage, which was very popr recently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She flipped through it casually and saw a rule: Officials cannot beat other officials'' faces without reason...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The regtions were very specific.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So is it okay to hit the stomach, or the head?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Officials cannot relieve themselves in bed...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
These detailed rules were so specific, she handed the rules to Bug Brother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Zi Congheng looked at it expressionlessly for a moment, then handed it back to her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Why could Jiang Xiaogui discover so many bizarre things in a day...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His cheek twitched slightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Watching her read such dry material and still giggle stupidly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was originally supposed to be a difficult journey.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Probably one that would be sad to think about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But somehow it didn''t seem so sad anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The whole way was filled with mixed emotions, sorrow broken into fragments and crushed under the carriage wheels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They arrived at the temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Qin Luoxia took the two children to find a monk to arrange the ritual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian discovered that Tai''a Temple was very advanced, simr to modern temples she had seen, with a special reception room and dedicated reception monks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Very professional.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They provided free incense, didn''t force people to pay, and you could donate as you wished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Generally, those who came to burn incense at the temple would give something.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There were several main halls.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Each main hall had different Bodhisattvas.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Golden and resplendent, you could see them from outside without entering.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It felt like a world surrounded by gods and Buddhas.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Deities were everywhere, looking down upon you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It made you unconsciously be solemn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian believed in socialism and had received nine years ofpulsory education, so she wasn''t afraid of ghosts and spirits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Whatever ce you''re in, do what''s done there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mother was seriously discussing the ritual details with the monk.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Bug Brother was also listening attentively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian took Pangya and stepped out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They strolled around the temple.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Temples always seem to have many towering old trees, creating a very tranquil environment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As Mianmian walked, following thew of narrative convenience, she was bound to encounter someone around a corner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
(Because the author really couldn''te up with a plot, so they had to forcefully introduce a character.)<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The weather was quite nice today, though cold, but with sunshine, so it wasn''t that cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At the corner of the ancient temple''s corridor, there was a pavilion where an Old Lady with white hair sat, head lowered, surprisingly stringing beads.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Old Lady wore a gray robe with white underneath, a mix of gray and white.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her hair wasn''tpletely white, still with some ck mixed in, overall appearing grayish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
With her head lowered, stringing beads, her demeanor was extremely beautiful, giving a very gentle impression.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her face and head were wrapped in cloth, covering half her head, so the white hair was visible, indicating her age.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The head wrapping was like that of a farm woman; in winter, farm women in Jingzhou would wrap up their hair, neck, and face, leaving only their eyes exposed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Old Lady in front of her was simr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But she looked beautiful even just sitting there casually.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even though she was an Old Lady, she was clearly once a pampered Old Lady.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian saw no signs prohibiting entry, so she went in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Old Lady stringing beads heard the movement and looked up, seeing the neer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was stunned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The girl in white clothes walked towards her without making a sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Sunlight shone on her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She looked like a younger version of herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So beautiful, so arrogant, so unrestrained, so carefree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0