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Watching people of all backgrounds, Qiao Mai encouraged her children to use the vocabulary they had learned to describe them and taught them how to interact with others.

Old Master Wang taught them to read and write and gave them drawing lessons. However, these three boys were not particularly interested in drawing.

The twins were passionate about martial arts; Chuan’er was a food enthusiast, and Ling’er loved to play.

Nonetheless, all these children were intelligent and quick learners. With a willingness to learn, they quickly acquired new skills.

Yuan Jiaqi found Qiao Mai’s approach to guiding the children’s education fresh and different.

After three days of fasting and prayer, Old Mistress Wang, accompanied by the others, visited the main hall to pay their respects to the Buddha devoutly.

They also made a generous donation, with the abbot and the temple head present.

While the others kneeled, Qiao Mai stood in a corner, hands behind her back, unmoving.

The old lady led the group, paying their respects to Buddha after Buddha and bodhisattva after bodhisattva.

Qiao Mai remained at the back, playing the role of a guardian.

The abbot approached her and asked, “Why don’t you bow to the Buddha?” “Our paths differ. I won’t bow. However, I respect.”

“I see. I have observed your features. You are half dark and half gold, indicating merit, virtue, and karmic obstacles.”

“Killing those who deserve it without fear of consequences…”

“The path of the Buddha involves not harming ants when sweeping the floor…” “You claim the path of the Buddha, but I’m not a Buddhist. I won’t follow your path. Furthermore, you intend to save the wicked and let them return to the world, where they may harm the virtuous. How does that serve justice?”

“This…”

“So, there’s the Buddhist path and the human path. I respect you, but I won’t bow to you.”

“I understand.”

Qiao Mai walked away, and the abbot sighed and followed.

The children listened to the stories about Buddha from Old Mistress Wang. They were captivated, behaving very well, not even clamoring to go out and play.

The following day, the abbot conducted a meditation and scripture teaching session for Old Master and Mistress Wang.

Qiao Mai didn’t participate in such activities; the meditation room was for the old couple and Yuan Jiaqi.

It was at the request of Master Wang that he be invited to gain insight into worldly truths through Buddhist scriptures.

After the scripture teaching session, the abbot addressed the three of them.

“All of you are fortunate individuals. Cherish your good fortune, especially this young man. You must treasure it.”

“Yes, Master.”

The Qiao family stayed in the temple for six days before they prepared to depart.

During these days, Qiao Mai felt content in the temple, finding a tranquility she had never experienced.

She enjoyed the sights of the mountains, the quaint town below, the sound of the temple bells, and the scent of incense. The idea of continuing such a life seemed appealing.

Rising with the sun and resting with its setting, life might be simple, but the serenity was invaluable.

Once they packed their belongings and checked their things, the children cheered. They could finally ride their beloved ponies.

The abbot escorted them to the temple gate and looked at Qiao Mai.

“Madam, you’re welcome to visit the temple and stay when you have leisure. It will be beneficial for your body and mind.”

“Thank you, Master. I will certainly come when I have the time.”

The group returned down the mountain and arrived at the parking lot to retrieve their carriages and horses.

The carriages and horses emerged one by one. As Ling’er slept, Yue Hong and Yue Xia carried her onto the old lady’s carriage.

Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi were the last to leave. Yuan Jiaqi had already mounted his horse. but Qiao Mai’s horse hadn’t been brought to her vet.

She asked the stable attendant with a cold expression, “Where’s my horse?” An attendant led a horse with a coat color similar to Dong Zao’s over to her.

“Madam, your horse is here.”

Qiao Mai exuded a hint of murderous intent as she moved towards the attendant, who knelt in place. “I’ll ask again. Where’s my horse?”

“This, isn’t this it?”

“How could I not recognize my own horse?”

The attendant glanced at the innkeeper. The innkeeper immediately put on a smiling face. “Madam, this is indeed your horse!”

Qiao Mai saw the exchanged glance and understood everything.

It was highly spiritually attuned and couldn’t be taken away by anyone. It was clear that someone had targeted it, hidden it away, and planned to switch it with a similar horse, trying to pull the wool over her eyes.

They were indeed insatiable, even lusting after their guest’s belongings.

Qiao Mai put her index finger in her mouth and let out a sharp whistle. Dong

Zao responded with a loud thud, crashing through a wooden wall to reach her.

Everyone was left dumbfounded, witnessing Dong Zao rush to her side and give a resounding neigh.

Qiao Mai grabbed the reins and walked away, but the innkeeper stepped in her path.

“This is our inn’s horse. Please don’t take it.”

Qiao Mai chuckled, “You’re indeed audacious, blatantly telling a lie. My horse came to me with a single whistle. How dare you claim it as yours?”

At this moment, Old Master Wang peered out from his carriage and seemed to have grasped the situation. He beckoned his guards.

“Arrest the innkeeper and take him to the city court for further handling.”

“Yes, Old Master!”

The guards moved to apprehend the innkeeper. However, he remained unyielding and obstinate.

“Who are you people? How dare you arrest me? Do you know who I am?”

“You’ll find out at the court.

“Help! These people are robbers, trying to steal our inn’s horses.”

“You are crying ‘thief’ to catch the thief! ”

Old Master Wang got down from the carriage and went to the innkeeper. “Tell me, who is backing you?”

Seeing the old man, the innkeeper sneered. “Our boss is the magistrate’s steward’s brother. Are you afraid now?”

Qiao Mai couldn’t help but laugh, “Grandfather, someone is trying to take my horse by relying on your family’s influence. Would you help me resolve this

matter?”

“Don’t worry. Your uncle will not let them off lightly.”

Old Master Wang pointed at the innkeeper and said, “Seize him and silence him!”

The guards moved to apprehend the innkeeper, who threatened to shout and scream. However, the guards were irritated and used the back of a blade to knock him unconscious before tying him up and putting him on a horse.

They had arrived happily but encountered such a situation on the way back, leaving Old Mistress Wang angry.

As soon as they arrived in the city, they went directly to the government office. When Wang Zongsheng saw his parents, he saluted them in the courtroom.

Qiao Mai recounted what had happened at the inn and the horse ranch on the outskirts of the mountain.

Wang Zongsheng was furious and had his steward brought in and sent people to investigate their account books and question all their servants. Wang Meng said, “Go ahead and interrogate them. We’re going home. Let me know if there are any updates. And remember, don’t be lenient.”

“Yes, Father.”

Old Mistress Wang was not content with this. “Such audacity. A mere servant dared to let his brother take advantage of his position. Who emboldened this coward? Zongsheng, the Emperor is cracking down on corrupt officials, so you can’t allow one rotten apple to spoil the whole barrel.”

“Yes, Mother, rest assured. I will make sure this doesn’t tarnish our family’s reputation.”

“Good, proceed with the interrogation!”

It appeared that the old lady held significant influence within the Wang family, as even Old Master Wang listened to her.

Qiao Mai didn’t mind the incident; her horse couldn’t be taken away so easily. Right now, Dong Zao wasn’t just a mount; he was also a powerful warhorse.

When they returned home, it was already late at night.

The kitchen had received a letter and prepared a sumptuous dinner in advance.

In the past few days, they had been unable to enjoy any meat dishes, and everyone had been craving them.

While still meaty, dinner consisted of nourishing soups that satisfied their appetites and fortified their health.

They all ate to their hearts’ content and felt that despite their travels, there was no place like home.

They settled down on the heated brick bed, each as comfortable as little pigs..