Chapter 1934: Chapter 985: Testing the Waters
Yan Daopo was able to mingle seamlessly with the women of various households in the Prefecture City, primarily because of her ability to read expressions and gauge people’s hearts, and to weave her words into the minds of others. Lady Zhang didn’t care much for praises about wealth and grandeur, but she loved hearing people say things about her good heart, her acts of kindness that brought blessings to her children.
However, she wasn’t foolish enough to believe flattery that claimed Zhang Caiyun’s good fortune stemmed from her own merits.
"Don’t butter me up." Lady Zhang laughed and cursed, "These are the blessings of their own making."
"Indeed, indeed. Seeing how you thrive, one can tell that your family has strong roots and good fortune. Good deeds yield good results. The virtues accumulated by elders reflect surely in the younger generations. Your current standing is partly due to your own efforts, but also thanks to the accumulated virtues of your ancestors." Hearing Lady Zhang’s words, Yan Daopo immediately switched her tone and replied with a smile.
Lian Manman listened on the side and couldn’t help but glance at Yan Daopo, thinking to herself, what a smooth talker. No wonder Yan Daopo can walk into any household without difficulty. Regardless of who speaks with Yan Daopo, they probably find her conversation delightful. Those like Lady Zhang would feel Yan Daopo’s words make perfect sense and align with their thoughts. As for those who favor flattery, there’s no need to even mention.
"By the way, let me tell you something." Lady Zhang recalled the matter concerning Lady Zhao and addressed Yan Daopo, "Let’s drop the issue I mentioned last time about my sister-in-law."
"Oh dear, Lady, what happened?" Yan Daopo was taken aback, "After the last time I visited you, I immediately arranged the ritual without delay. We are just about at the right moment, why drop it now?"
"Don’t worry." Lady Zhang waved her hand, "My sister-in-law changed her mind. She decided to leave it to fate and not force anything. If you can stop the ritual, do so, to avoid any potential troubles for yourself."
"Lady, that’s a kind thing for you to say. I agreed to this, looking at the favor you did for me, and wasn’t considering any troubles for myself." Yan Daopo said, "It’s just a shame, I took extra care because of your request, alas..."
Yan Daopo sighed and stole a glance at Lian Manman. Lian Manman, stitching as she listened to the conversation, caught Yan Daopo’s glance and returned it.
Yan Daopo quickly withdrew her gaze.
"Lady... did you hear some gossip that made you trust me less?" Yan Daopo looked at Lady Zhang cautiously, asking.
"Why are you so overly suspicious?" Lady Zhang did not mind, she replied with a smile, "She just changed her mind, I’m letting you know so you won’t worry needlessly. Besides, for the ritual to work, there must be sincerity. If they no longer seek this, performing a ritual would be futile, wouldn’t it?"
"Lady, you’re right, the matter indeed requires sincerity." Yan Daopo studied Lady Zhang’s expression and found nothing unusual, so her expression relaxed and she replied with a smile, "Since Lady decided to cancel the ritual, I’ll stop it when I go back. Also, I’ll return the offering money to you."
Saying this, Yan Daopo pretended to lift her robe to fetch the money pouch.
"What are you doing!" Lady Zhang quickly stopped her, "You said the ritual was already performed; I can’t have you suffer a loss. That’s not right! You don’t need to feel bad, if you have the thought, just offer a few more incense sticks for me and that’s enough."
Seeing Lady Zhang say that, Yan Daopo withdrew her hands. Lian Manman, standing by, stifled a laugh; Yan Daopo truly knew how to act. Money given to temples was never returned. Yet, although Yan Daopo understood this, she pretended to return the money to make Lady Zhang believe she was sincere.
"Since Lady has this sincere wish, what can an old woman like me say? I wouldn’t dream of stopping Lady’s good deeds." Yan Daopo withdrew her hand and laughed again.
"You’re exaggerating." Lian Manman put down her needlework, pointed at Yan Daopo, and said.
Yan Daopo’s face changed color immediately, but she quickly concealed it. She scrutinized Lian Manman’s expression, and upon seeing her calm demeanor, her heart calmed somewhat. However, noticing Lian Manman’s mouth held a smirk but her eyes lacked any amusement, her heart tightened again.
