Maya Summers eyed her suspiciously. "Why are you going to the City God Temple again?"
"To fulfill my vow," Grace said. "I passed by the City God Temple before and went in to burn incense, asking Lord City God to bless my mother and help her recover. I went to see her today, and she's really much better now—looks like she's on the mend! So I want to go and give thanks."
"Your mother is doing much better?" Maya asked.
"Yes! Really, her complexion is so much better. If you don't believe me, go see for yourself!"
"Alright, I'll go check on Sister-in-law later," Maya said. "But you can go to the City God Temple by yourself! I don't have time!"
"Auntie!" Grace clung to her arm, acting spoiled. "I'm scared to go alone."
"Scared? What are you afraid of?"
"Yesterday, I ran into Queenie Zhu. She tried to snatch my spirit pet, but it bit her. I'm worried she'll come looking for trouble," Grace said. "If you go with me, she won't dare!"
Maya shook her head. "You two are always at each other's throats! Can't you ever get along?"
Grace hugged her arm tightly. "As long as you come with me, I promise I'll behave. Even if I run into her, I won't fight or argue."
Maya yanked her arm free. "Go find someone else to go with you!"
"Who else can I ask? Cindy's already gone to the palace. Who in our family can I turn to? You're the only one left!"
Maya frowned and thought for a moment, then sighed.
Wendy Zhu and Cindy Zhu are both married off.
Kevin Zhuo isn't home.
Jason Zhuo isn't home either.
There really isn't anyone else who can go out with her.
......
The City God Temple in Danyang is a grand temple, said to have more than six hundred years of history. Shaded by green trees, with red walls and tiled roofs, incense burns prosperously.
Especially during the monthly temple fair, it's extra lively.
The two of them went to the City God Temple together. Grace put on a show, donated some oil money, and fulfilled her vow. As they were leaving, they 'just happened' to run into Samuel Summers.
"Oh wow, Brother Samuel! What a coincidence!" Grace greeted him.
Samuel smiled. "Maya, Grace, you two came to the temple fair too?"
Maya nodded, looking a little uncomfortable.
"By the way, Maya, I actually have something to discuss with you. Can we talk privately for a moment?" Samuel said.
Maya eyed him suspiciously. "If you have something to say, just say it here."
"It's not convenient here." Seeing her guarded look, Samuel's eyes turned a bit sad. "Don't worry, I won't say anything you don't want to hear."
"Auntie, go ahead," Grace said. "I'll wait for you over here."
Although Maya tried to avoid Samuel, she knew him well enough.
If it weren't something important, he wouldn't be acting like this.
So, she decided to go with him.
They went to a small grove outside the City God Temple.
Grace rolled her big eyes, glanced around, then snuck out a side door, circled around, and hid behind a low wall to eavesdrop.
She heard her aunt speak politely but distantly: "If you have something to say, say it!"
"Maya, I wanted to ask... Prince Cheng redeemed Diana Su, the courtesan from Blossom Pavilion. Did you know about this?" Samuel asked.
Grace nodded vigorously behind the low wall.
She guessed he might bring this up—and sure enough, he did.
Over there, Maya asked, "What do you mean?"
"What do you think I mean? I'm worried he'll trick you!" Samuel said. "I've met Diana Su. Even though she's from the brothel, her looks and temperament are truly outstanding—"
"You don't need to tell me that!" Maya interrupted him. "Even if he did redeem that courtesan, so what? He can't marry her! Not only can't he marry her, she doesn't even qualify to be a concubine!"